Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said on Sunday that the US is in a constitutional crisis with the Trump administration and “fly courts.”
“Do you think the Trump administration is ignoring the courts? Do you think the country is currently in a constitutional crisis?” Kristen Welker of NBC News asked Van Hollen about “Meet the Press.”
“Yeah, yes, we are. [They are] As we speak, we disrespect so many courts. As the court said, promoting his return means more than doing anything. And they’re not doing anything. Yes, as we speak, they are absolutely violating the court’s orders,” replied Van Hollen, speaking of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was unfairly deported to El Salvador.
Van Hollen went to El Salvador this week after saying he previously said he would go to Central America if Abrego Garcia didn’t return to the US by the middle of the week.
“This case is not just one man, it is about protecting the constitutional rights of everyone living in the United States,” Van Hollen said at a post-travel press conference alongside members of Abrego Garcia’s family.
“So I traveled to El Salvador, departing here on Wednesday, and I would like to express my gratitude to my family and staff members.
Van Hollen also appeared on multiple Sunday morning shows this week to discuss the situation with Abrego Garcia.
“If this is a constitutional crisis, as you say, what should the response be from Democrats? What kind of control do you have?” Welker asked Van Hollen on Sunday.
“Well, we’ll keep pushing back. Again… the courts can impose sanctions on the Trump administration, which is going to pay $15 million to the Salvadoran government to bring these prisoners. [illegally] I’ve accused Abrego Garcia,” replied Van Hollen.
“When they make that request to Congress, I can tell you, and I don’t think American taxpayers want to go to El Salvador and spend a penny to continue illegal and violating the US Constitution because they have to allocate those money,” he added.
Oka reached out to the White House for comments.
