Congressman’s Trip to El Salvador Highlights Divisions on Immigration
A congressman from Maryland recently returned to the U.S. after an unsuccessful trip to El Salvador where he aimed to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and suspected MS-13 gang member who was deported in March. Representative Glenn Ivey expressed frustration over the challenges he faced during this visit, stating that he was "stonewalled" in his attempts to check on Abrego Garcia’s welfare.
Abrego Garcia’s deportation has become a contentious topic, dividing opinions among both Republicans and Democrats. While some, including the Trump administration, have accused him of serious crimes like human trafficking and domestic violence, others argue that he was a "Maryland man" who didn’t receive fair treatment in court.
"I was very disappointed and, frankly, angry," Ivey said during a press conference after returning. He confirmed that he did not use taxpayer money for his trip. Ivey arranged through U.S. and Salvadoran embassies to meet Abrego Garcia in prison, but he encountered bureaucratic obstacles that forced him to travel 90 minutes to secure a permit, which ultimately blocked his meeting.
Ivey criticized the treatment he received, noting, "It’s ridiculous that an international delegation would face such hurdles." He added that locals informed him that even family members were also unable to obtain permits to visit detainees.
Ivey’s motivations for meeting Abrego Garcia were clear: to confirm his condition, location, and ensure he received due process in U.S. courts. Meanwhile, other Democrats, such as Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, have rallied to meet Abrego Garcia, raising alarms over what they perceive as a lack of judicial fairness.
Upon questioning about the conditions of Abrego Garcia, Ivey shared, "Nothing’s been confirmed. We think he’s at Santa Ana, but we received no confirmation." He took to social media during his travels, urging the Salvadoran government for better cooperation.
Abrego Garcia is currently held in a high-security prison for gang members, which prompted several Democrats to call attention to his situation, fearing that his rights are being overlooked. The Trump administration has provided evidence suggesting Abrego Garcia has been involved in criminal activity and domestic violence, further complicating the narrative surrounding his deportation.
Additionally, Ivey raised concerns about more than 250 Venezuelans allegedly jailed in El Salvador after deportation, claiming that around 50 of them had no criminal records. "That’s un-American. That’s not what we should be doing," he asserted.
As the debate over immigration policy continues, Ivey’s experience illustrates the complexities faced by lawmakers in navigating an increasingly divided political landscape on this pressing issue.
