Democrats demand action to return man mistakenly deported to El Salvador
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Sen. Chris Van Hollen on March 26 in Washington, DC. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
After El Salvador's president called the release of a Maryland man mistakenly deported there "preposterous," Democratic lawmakers launched into action Monday — over a month after his erroneous arrest.
The big picture: The Trump administration has thus far resisted an order from the Supreme Court to facilitate the return of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who the U.S. government accused of being a member of the MS-13 gang, though he has not been convicted of gang-related crimes.
- During a meeting with President Trump on Monday, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said that he can't return Abrego Garcia to the U.S., nor can he release him within El Salvador.
- Bukele's comments add another wrinkle to Abrego Garcia's case, as the Department of Justice has argued in court filings that it cannot bring him back to the U.S., only El Salvador can.
Driving the news: Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) on Monday requested a meeting with Bukele while he's in the U.S. this week to discuss Abrego Garcia's return.
- The senator said he plans to travel to El Salvador if Abrego Garcia is not returned by mid-week to check on him and discuss his release.
- Van Hollen said in a statement that Abrego Garcia "never should have been abducted and illegally deported, and the courts have made clear: the Administration must bring him home, now."
Zoom in: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) said Monday he's introducing legislation dubbed the RESCUE Act, which would require the U.S. to take action if a foreign government refuses to comply with court orders demanding the return of people who have been wrongfully deported.
- The bill would require the U.S. to suspend diplomatic relations with that country, including by suspending foreign aid, bilateral agreements and visas for government officials in that country.
What they're saying: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined the calls for action Monday, saying after Bukele's meeting with Trump, "No one should be above the law, most especially the president."
- He added, "Ignoring a Supreme Court ruling to facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return isn't just cruel; it's unconstitutional. They're saying the quiet part aloud — if they get away with it now, they'll do it to anyone."
Go deeper: Timeline: The case of a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador
