Oregon Congresswoman Joins Growing Movement to Advocate for Deported Migrant in El Salvador

Oregon Congresswoman Joins Growing Movement to Advocate for Deported Migrant in El Salvador

A Democratic congresswoman from Oregon is the latest lawmaker to announce her plans to travel to El Salvador in support of deported illegal migrant Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. Representative Maxine Dexter made her announcement late Friday, indicating that she will follow a recent visit by Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland.

Senator Van Hollen’s highly publicized trip drew attention after he met with Abrego Garcia, who was deported to the country’s infamous “Terrorism Confinement Center” (CECOT) last month. This facility houses various suspected gang members, including others who, like Abrego Garcia, face serious accusations.

In a statement, Dexter highlighted her concerns about Abrego Garcia’s status, stating, “A legal U.S. resident has had his due process rights ripped away and is now being held indefinitely in a foreign prison.” She emphasized that this situation is not merely an individual tragedy; rather, it represents a broader constitutional crisis that threatens rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. Dexter asserted, “I will travel to El Salvador to confront this crisis head-on. Our constitutional rights are on the line.”

Political Divide Over the Case

This case has sparked a significant divide between Democrats and Republicans. The Trump administration argues that Abrego Garcia is connected to the MS-13 gang and is suspected of involvement in human trafficking along with a documented history of domestic violence.

A 2022 report from Homeland Security Investigations labeled him as a member of MS-13 and identified him as a suspected human trafficker. The report also referenced a 2021 domestic violence filing by his wife, Jennifer Vasquez, in which she described his abusive behavior, saying, “I have multiple photos and videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he [has] left me.”

Diverging Perspectives on Due Process

Democrats, including Dexter, characterize Abrego Garcia as a hardworking resident of Maryland whose rights have been unjustly stripped following his deportation. They believe that his treatment raises serious questions about due process and justice within the immigration system.

The Supreme Court has previously acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was subject to a withholding order in 2019 that prohibited his removal to El Salvador. The Court ruled that this deportation was illegal, highlighting the government’s obligation to facilitate his return to the United States and address his status as if he were never deported.

Controversial Deportation Decision

Trump administration officials recognized in court that Abrego Garcia’s deportation was an administrative error. However, some of Trump’s top aides maintain that he was lawfully removed due to his alleged gang affiliations. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller recently reiterated that two courts affirmed Abrego Garcia’s status as an MS-13 gang member, which played a role in his deportation following Trump’s designation of MS-13 as a terrorist organization.

Miller explained that once MS-13 was labeled a terrorist entity, Abrego Garcia lost access to any form of immigration relief available in the United States. Such decisions have intensified the ongoing debate over immigration policy and public safety.

Criticism and Calls for Accountability

Critics—including some Republicans and Trump allies—have questioned why Senator Van Hollen would advocate for an individual with documented gang ties and a history of domestic abuse, particularly in light of victims like Rachel Morin. Morin was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2023, leading many to call for greater accountability from lawmakers regarding their advocacy choices.

In response, the White House has underscored the stark differences in approach to immigration between the two parties. Officials released a split-screen image highlighting the contrasting reactions to crime involving illegal immigrants. One side of the image portrayed a grieving mother, Patty Morin, comforted by President Trump, while the other featured Van Hollen engaged in conversation with Abrego Garcia.

A Broader Conversation on Immigration

The ongoing discourse surrounding Abrego Garcia’s case emphasizes the complexities of U.S. immigration policy and highlights the need for a careful examination of how laws are applied across various situations. Balancing human rights with public safety has emerged as a crucial challenge in crafting effective policies.

As Dexter prepares for her trip to El Salvador, the situation remains a focal point for advocates on both sides of the aisle. It raises vital questions not only regarding the treatment of deported individuals but also about the broader implications of immigration laws affecting countless families.

With lawmakers like Dexter stepping into the spotlight, the conversation about immigration rights, due process, and public safety is likely to gain further momentum as various stakeholders continue to voice their opinions.