Colorado Representative Joins Delegation to El Salvador in Support of Deported Migrant Abrego Garcia

A Colorado congresswoman has become the latest Democrat to announce her plans to visit El Salvador, advocating for the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a deported illegal migrant. Representative Maxine Dexter, a Democrat from Oregon, revealed late Friday that she will travel to the Central American nation to address the situation surrounding Abrego Garcia.

Dexter’s trip follows a widely publicized visit by Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, who engaged with Abrego Garcia after his deportation to El Salvador’s notorious “Terrorism Confinement Center” (CECOT) last month. Abrego Garcia was deported alongside other suspected gang members, raising concerns about legal rights and the broader implications for immigration policy.

“A legal U.S. resident has had his due process rights ripped away and is now being held indefinitely in a foreign prison,” Dexter stated.

She continued, emphasizing that this case reflects a larger constitutional issue. “This is not just one family’s nightmare; it is a constitutional crisis that should outrage every single one of us. I will travel to El Salvador to confront this crisis head-on. Our constitutional rights are on the line.”

Political Friction Over Immigration Policies

The case has ignited tension between Democrats and Republicans. The Trump administration has labeled Abrego Garcia as a member of the MS-13 gang, connecting him to human trafficking and a troubling history of domestic violence.

According to a 2022 report from Homeland Security Investigations, Garcia is identified as a suspected member of MS-13. A domestic violence claim filed in 2021 by his ex-wife, Jennifer Vasquez, noted, “I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he [has] left me.”

In contrast, Democrats assert that he is a dedicated Maryland resident whose legal rights have been violated following his deportation to a dangerous environment.

Supreme Court Weighs in on Garcia’s Case

The Supreme Court acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was subjected to a 2019 withholding order which prohibited his removal to El Salvador, declaring the deportation “illegal.” The Court highlighted the necessity for the government to facilitate his return from custody in El Salvador, affirming that his treatment should be as if he had never been deported.

Contradicting Narratives from Government Officials

During court proceedings, some officials from the Trump administration admitted that Abrego Garcia’s deportation resulted from an administrative error. However, that acknowledgment has since evolved, with certain former officials asserting that he was rightfully removed due to his alleged gang affiliation.

An immigration judge in 2019 determined that Garcia had not sufficiently discredited evidence connecting him to the MS-13 gang, leading to a withholding order preventing his deportation to regions other than El Salvador due to concerns about retaliation from rival gangs.

Recently, a photograph surfaced, reportedly showing Abrego Garcia’s hand adorned with tattoos believed to signify his gang membership.

Debate over Advocacy and Victims’ Rights

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller remarked that two courts recognized Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 member, emphasizing that he was deported following Trump’s designation of MS-13 as a terrorist organization. As a result, Garcia lost eligibility for any forms of immigration relief in the United States.

Critics, including both Republicans and supporters of Trump, have raised questions regarding Senator Van Hollen’s decision to advocate for someone allegedly tied to gang activity and a domestic abuse history. They argue that his focus on Abrego Garcia detracts from the plight of victims like Rachel Morin, a Maryland woman who tragically lost her life at the hands of an illegal immigrant in 2023.

A Visual Contrast in Immigration Perspectives

The White House has released contrasting images to emphasize differing views on immigration between the parties. One poignant image captures Angel Mom Patty Morin, the grieving mother of Rael Morin, comforted by President Trump in the Oval Office. In stark contrast, another image shows Senator Chris Van Hollen sitting with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador.

The White House illustrated this point, captioning the image with “We are not the same,” and tagging Van Hollen. This stark visual representation reflects ongoing ideological divisions regarding immigration policies.

The Broader Implications of Garcia’s Case

This situation highlights not only individual legal dilemmas but also the far-reaching effects of immigration policy on families, communities, and national debates. As Dexter prepares for her trip to El Salvador, her actions serve to underline a growing divide within American politics over the treatment of deported migrants and those accused of serious crimes.

Ultimately, Abrego Garcia’s case exemplifies the complexities of immigration law and the intersection of individual rights amidst broader political narratives.

Fox News contributors have provided supporting information for this report.