Four House Democrats traveled to El Salvador Monday to address the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen deported from the United States. The group included Representatives Robert Garcia, D-Calif., Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., and Maxine Dexter, D-Ore. The trip was not officially sanctioned by House leadership committees overseeing travel.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, formerly a resident of Maryland, was deported last month despite a prior immigration judge's finding he should not be removed due to likely persecution in El Salvador. The administration cited an alleged administrative error for the deportation but later claimed Abrego Garcia was an MS-13 member. His lawyers deny this claim. Court rulings suggest there is no evidence to support the administration's assertion.
The Democratic delegation seeks to pressure the White House to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return, following a Supreme Court order. Democrats frame their effort as a defense of due process rights and the rule of law, arguing the administration defies court mandates. This approach aims to broaden support beyond typical immigration debates.
Representatives met with the U.S. ambassador in San Salvador. They urged the embassy to press Salvadoran officials for transparency regarding Abrego Garcia's status and detention. Salvadoran officials denied the lawmakers' request to meet with Abrego Garcia directly during their visit.
The Democrats' trip follows previous visits to El Salvador by U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Rep. Riley Moore. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., had met with Abrego Garcia the previous week.
The administration's handling of the case has drawn criticism, some receiving bipartisan criticism for it. Federal judges have slammed the Trump administration’s conduct in court proceedings related to the case, calling the administration's claims about him as extraordinarily “flimsy.”
Democrats believe focusing on due process resonates with voters, noting polls indicating a large majority of voters support basic legal rights for immigrants. Polling suggests voters also believe the administration should obey court orders in deportation cases. The party hopes to make the case a cautionary tale about government overreach under Trump administration policy.
The White House has doubled down on its stance, with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador calling the idea of releasing Abrego Garcia "preposterous." Administration officials have also taunted the lawmakers who have taken up Abrego Garcia’s cause.
The visit by Maxine Dexter and her colleagues represents a direct challenge to the Donald Trump administration on a high-profile deportation matter, emphasizing judicial compliance over executive action on immigration.
