Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) defended his efforts to protect Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s rights on Sunday, despite President Trump and his allies leveling serious allegations against the deported Maryland man and emphasizing his mixed legal record.
In an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” host Jonathan Karl questioned Van Hollen about “some pretty serious allegations of abuse” made by Abrego Garcia’s wife in court, which President Trump has recently highlighted.
“Obviously, everybody in this country, including undocumented immigrants, has rights. But are you concerned about standing so firmly with someone who has, you know, a questionable record? Karl inquired.
Van Hollen stated that he is defending the principle, not Abrego Garcia’s record.
“I am not defending this man. Van Hollen said, “I am defending this man’s right to due process.” “And the Trump administration has admitted in court that he was wrongfully detained and wrongfully deported.”
“My mission and my purpose is to make sure that we uphold the rule of law because if we take it away from him, we do jeopardize it for everybody else,” he told reporters.
Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador this week to check on Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who lived in Maryland with his wife before being detained and sent to El Salvador’s notorious terrorist confinement center.
Trump administration officials previously claimed he was mistakenly sent to El Salvador, but have recently doubled down on allegations that Abrego Garcia is a gang member, refusing to comply with a court order directing them to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release from Salvadoran custody.
Van Hollen said the administration should take their concerns to court.
“The Trump administration is attempting to change the narrative. They are attempting to divert attention. They should present their facts before the court. They should put up or shut up in court because Judge Xinis, the district court judge in this case, stated that they presented no evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or any other terrorist activity. “She mentions it a few times in her decision,” Van Hollen said.
“So, Mr. President, Republicans, and anyone else involved in this: take your facts to court. “Do not share everything on social media,” he added.
Van Hollen specifically addressed concerns about Abrego Garcia’s wife, noting that she has been the most outspoken advocate for his return.
“As to his wife, his wife is the one who is asking us all to bring him home, so his rights can be respected,” Van Hollen replied.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Abrego Garcia’s wife, said Van Hollen answered her and her children’s prayers.
“My children and I have had our prayers answered. My family and community’s efforts to fight for justice are being heard, now that I know my husband is alive,” Sura said in a previous statement.
“We still have numerous questions, hopes, and fears. I will keep praying and fighting for Kilmar’s return home,” she said, thanking Van Hollen and others for “continuing the fight for my family to be reunited.”