Senator Chris Van Hollen Criticizes Trump Administration as Authoritarian During El Salvador Visit

Senator Chris Van Hollen Criticizes Trump Administration as Authoritarian During El Salvador Visit

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, raised alarm bells about the state of democracy in the United States during a recent interview from El Salvador. He described the ongoing political climate as a potential slide towards tyranny, making comparisons between the Trump administration and authoritarian regimes.

Speaking on MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show, Van Hollen expressed deep concerns over the government’s approach to individual freedoms. He stated, “This is like taking away people’s freedom. This does not sound like a conservative idea to me. Authoritarian governments engage in this behavior, and it’s a fast road to tyranny if we do not stand up against it.” His remarks have sparked widespread debate about the implications of current political policies.

Background on Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Van Hollen’s comments emerged while he was in El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old undocumented immigrant who was recently deported to one of the country’s toughest prisons, known as the “Terrorism Confinement Center” (CECOT). This deportation has raised questions about the legality and morality of the actions taken by the Trump administration.

Federal authorities admitted in court that Garcia’s deportation was due to an administrative error. However, some officials within the Trump administration contend that Garcia is affiliated with the notorious MS-13 gang, which complicates the narrative surrounding his removal from the United States. Both a federal court and the Supreme Court have issued orders for the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the U.S. for proper deportation proceedings.

Details of Van Hollen’s Visit

During his visit, Van Hollen announced plans to meet with Garcia, an initiative that also gained support from other Democratic lawmakers who planned similar visits. These efforts aimed to raise awareness about immigration policies impacting vulnerable individuals.

While discussing the situation, Van Hollen emphasized the importance of due process, asserting, “It’s also about the Trump administration trying to deprive individuals in the United States of their liberty without any due process.” His commitment to pursuing justice for Garcia reflects a broader concern among lawmakers regarding the treatment of immigrants.

Obstacles in Garcia’s Case

The Trump administration has indicated a willingness to address administrative barriers preventing Garcia from returning to the United States. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, however, that the decision regarding Garcia’s return ultimately rests with El Salvadoran authorities. “It is up to El Salvador if they want to return him. That’s not up to us,” she said.

Van Hollen expressed frustration over the bureaucratic hurdles that thwarted his efforts to visit Garcia in prison. He disclosed that he lacked the necessary arrangements to gain access: “I asked the vice president of El Salvador if I could visit Kilmar next week, but the answer was no; he couldn’t guarantee that.” His statement highlighted the challenges faced by U.S. lawmakers in foreign discussions about immigration.

Pursuit of Justice for Immigrants

Despite the obstacles, Van Hollen reaffirmed his dedication to advocating for Garcia and urged El Salvadoran officials to reconsider their position. He argued, “More members of Congress will be coming, and you cannot continue to keep this man locked up in one of the worst prisons in the hemisphere when he hasn’t committed a crime.” His remarks serve to rally support around Garcia’s plight and the larger discussion surrounding immigration policy in the U.S.

Calls for Action

Looking ahead, Van Hollen intends to maintain pressure on the issue, seeking to engage further with both U.S. and El Salvadoran officials. He remembered a conversation with the president of El Salvador, who remarked about the challenges of facilitating Garcia’s return. Van Hollen countered, stating, “You don’t have to smuggle him back. Just open the prison door. The United States will send a plane to address the situation.” This call to action underscores the urgency for a respectful and humane approach to immigration reforms.

While advocating for Garcia, Van Hollen’s comments are part of a larger narrative on the erosion of civil liberties in the context of U.S. immigration policy. His visit to El Salvador and statements during the trip serve to reinforce the sentiment among many lawmakers who view immigration as a critical issue requiring immediate attention.

Fox News’ Peter Pinedo, Breanne Deppisch, and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.