House Democrats traveled to El Salvador demanding the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen deported from Maryland, but were denied a meeting with him as tensions rise over what lawmakers call a blatant defiance of Supreme Court orders.

At a Glance

• Four House Democrats traveled to El Salvador seeking the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who they claim was wrongfully deported from Maryland
• The Supreme Court ordered Abrego Garcia’s return, but the Trump administration alleges he has MS-13 gang connections, which his lawyers deny
• Lawmakers were denied a meeting with Abrego Garcia by Salvadoran officials during their unofficial visit
• The delegation has requested daily proof of life and access to counsel for Abrego Garcia from Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• The White House claims it cannot force El Salvador to release Abrego Garcia, while El Salvador’s President Bukele opposes his return

Democrats Make Unofficial Trip to El Salvador

Four House Democrats landed in El Salvador on a self-funded mission to advocate for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was deported from Maryland last year. The delegation, including Representatives Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), and Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.), undertook the journey after being denied official congressional delegation status and funding by Republican committee chairs. Their visit highlights escalating tensions between the legislative and executive branches over immigration enforcement actions.

The lawmakers’ request to conduct a welfare check on Abrego Garcia was specifically denied by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer. Representative Frost expressed his frustration with this decision on social media, stating that he didn’t need “Comer’s permission to get on a plane.”

Without official status, the delegation’s diplomatic leverage was limited, which became evident when Salvadoran officials declined their request to meet with Abrego Garcia during the visit.

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Legal Battle Over Deportation

At the center of this international dispute is the Trump administration’s deportation of Abrego Garcia despite a judge’s ruling that he should not be removed due to potential persecution in El Salvador. The administration claims he was deported for being an MS-13 gang member, an allegation his lawyers categorically deny. A federal judge has dismissed these gang affiliation claims, and both the Supreme Court and a federal appeals court have ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States.

The Department of Justice has argued that it lacks authority to return Abrego Garcia from a foreign country, while the White House maintains it cannot force El Salvador to release him. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has reportedly expressed opposition to returning Abrego Garcia to the United States. These obstacles have created a diplomatic impasse that has now drawn congressional attention and intervention.

Demands for Proof of Life and Safe Return

After being denied a meeting with Abrego Garcia, the congressional delegation escalated their concerns by requesting daily proof of life and access to counsel for him from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The lawmakers received a briefing from the U.S. embassy in El Salvador but expressed disappointment with the lack of meaningful action taken to comply with court orders. They planned additional meetings with human rights groups during their visit to gather more information about Abrego Garcia’s situation.

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen previously visited El Salvador and succeeded in meeting with both Abrego Garcia and Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa. The congressional delegation emphasized that their concerns extended beyond this specific case to broader principles of due process for all individuals in the United States, including immigrants. Abrego Garcia’s family lawyer and wife have expressed gratitude for these congressional efforts to secure his return.