While praising Sen. Van Hollen's trip to El Salvador, Marylanders call for Abrego Garcia's release
SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now) — Dozens of Maryland lawmakers and citizens rallied in Silver Spring on Wednesday, showing their support for Sen. Chris Van Hollen and his trip to El Salvador intended to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the United States.
Even though Abrego Garcia remains in a notorious prison in El Salvador known as CECOT, those at Wednesday's rally shared their appreciation for Van Hollen.
'I won't stop trying': Senator travels to El Salvador to secure return of wrongly deported man
The rally featured several state and local lawmakers, who each shared their commitments to advocating for Abrego Garcia's return home.
'As a Salvadoran American myself, I really applaud and want to highlight the strong leadership exemplified by our Senator Van Hollen,' said former state delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez.
Sen. Van Hollen met with El Salvador's vice president during his trip, but was unable to see or speak with Abrego Garcia.
Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador due to 'administrative error,' court filings say
'It is important for the senator to have access to Mr. Abrego Garcia, to put his eyes on him, to make sure that he's okay,' said Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk. 'And for [El Salvador's] vice president to say [no], well, you know what? That says a lot about his values.'
The Trump administration criticized the senator's trip, with the Department of Homeland Security saying Van Hollen 'has done more to bring an MS-13 gang member… back to Maryland than he has to help keep his American constituents safe.'
Abrego Garcia's attorneys have repeatedly said there is no evidence of his gang membership, and he has never been charged with a crime.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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