Texas Congressman Critiques Democrats Over Immigration Strategy Amid Controversy

Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, is openly criticizing his own party for its handling of immigration issues, particularly in light of the case involving an illegal immigrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration claims is connected to the notorious MS-13 gang.

During an interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio, Cuellar asserted that the party should not be defending Abrego Garcia. He firmly stated, “This is not the right issue to talk about due process. This is not the right case. This is not the right person to be saying that we need to bring him back to the United States.”

Cuellar’s remarks come as Democratic lawmakers rally around Abrego Garcia, who was deported in March to El Salvador. The controversy centers on allegations that he has links to MS-13 and his complex legal history in the U.S.

Background of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Abrego Garcia, 29, became an emblem of the heated immigration debate after being deported. The Trump administration argues that he has gang affiliations, pointing to court documents tied to a protective order requested by his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura.

Vasquez Sura maintains that the protective order was a precautionary measure. “After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution following a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order, in case things escalated,” she explained. She emphasized that their situation improved and they resolved their issues privately, including through counseling.

Implications for Democratic Credibility

Cuellar believes using Abrego Garcia as a symbol for immigration advocacy could severely damage the Democratic Party’s credibility among voters. He questioned the strategic judgment behind elevating such a controversial figure in discussions about immigration reform.

He stated, “When you look at immigration, is this the immigration case you want to take to fight on? In my opinion, absolutely no.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among some Democrats about the party’s direction regarding immigration policy.

Responses from Democratic Lawmakers

Despite Cuellar’s criticisms, a group of Democratic lawmakers has been vocal in opposing the deportation policies of the current administration. They are particularly concerned about the treatment of suspected criminal illegal migrants and have made trips to El Salvador to advocate for Abrego Garcia’s release. Some lawmakers have even demanded regular updates on his well-being.

This push-back illustrates the divergence within the party about how best to approach immigration issues, especially those involving individuals with questionable legal statuses.

The Nature of Abrego Garcia’s Deportation

Abrego Garcia’s journey to deportation was marked by a prior attempt to secure protected legal status while residing in Maryland. His deportation in 2025 was described by some legal analysts as an administrative error, yet officials in the Trump administration insist that the decision was warranted due to his alleged gang connections.

Frustration Among Constituents

Cuellar’s district, which has a large Latino population, has seen increasing frustration among residents about the immigration system. Many constituents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the perceived inconsistencies in how immigration laws are applied.

According to Cuellar, constituents have commented on the differences between their experiences and those of undocumented immigrants, saying, “Our parents came in the legal way. They came in, became legal residents. But when you see people jumping in, not knowing who they are, that’s something wrong.”

Support for Certain Trump-era Policies

In a surprising turn for some Democrats, Cuellar has voiced support for a number of Trump-era border policies. He highlighted issues related to security and enforcement, rejecting previous Democratic assertions that the U.S. border is secure.

Cuellar remarked, “It was laughable when they would say that the border was secured. Why are we going to let people in when you have no idea who these people are, and then let them roam the streets of the United States while you wait four or five years for an immigration court hearing? That was wrong, absolutely wrong.”

A Call for Reflection Within the Democratic Party

While Cuellar refrained from passing judgment on fellow Democrats, he did call for a reassessment of the party’s strategy regarding immigration policy. He suggested that some elements of the Trump administration’s approach, particularly concerning cooperation with Mexico, should be seen in a different light.

He stated, “The president has gotten Mexico to engage a lot more. If he can get them to play defense on their under 20-yard line instead of our 1-yard line called the U.S. border, then the better it is.”

Looking Ahead

The ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding immigration policies reflect deep divisions not only within political parties but also among the populace. As the Biden administration continues to face scrutiny over its immigration agenda, the complexities of cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia will likely play a significant role in shaping future discussions.

This moment in the immigration debate brings to the forefront significant questions about fairness, due process, and how best to frame the narrative surrounding undocumented immigrants. As Cuellar’s criticisms highlight, the strategy adopted by Democratic leaders may require careful reconsideration to resonate with a broader audience while remaining true to the values that underpin party philosophy.