Senator Chris Van Hollen condemns the ongoing deportation case and its implications on immigration policy amid allegations against the deported man.
**US Senator Raises Concerns Over Deported Man's Treatment in El Salvador's Prison**
**US Senator Raises Concerns Over Deported Man's Treatment in El Salvador's Prison**
A Maryland senator alludes to the unjust treatment of a man deported during the Trump era, emphasizing the need for justice and human rights.
A Maryland man, Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration, has been relocated to a new prison, according to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. The Democratic senator made this announcement following his visit to El Salvador, where he met Mr. Ábrego García, now held at the high-security facility known as Cecot (Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism). Van Hollen described Mr. Ábrego García as "traumatized" and fearful of fellow prisoners during his stay; however, he has since been moved to a different prison in Santa Ana due to deteriorating conditions.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating the government's responsibility to "facilitate" Mr. Ábrego García's return to the U.S., the Trump administration has resisted compliance. The White House has labeled him as a member of the MS-13 gang, categorized as a foreign terrorist organization, despite Mr. Ábrego García's lack of any criminal convictions. His family and legal representatives vehemently deny the gang membership claims.
Senator Van Hollen initially faced roadblocks from Salvadoran authorities when trying to meet Mr. Ábrego García, but following intervention from government officials, they facilitated a meeting at the senator's hotel. Van Hollen reported that it was Mr. Ábrego García's first contact with anyone outside prison since his deportation, describing his sadness over being incarcerated for crimes he did not commit.
Conditions at the new prison are reportedly an improvement, but Mr. Ábrego García remains cut off from news and communication with the outside world, a point underscored by Van Hollen’s remarks. This case encapsulates the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and U.S. judiciary over immigration matters, particularly the administration's initiative to expel alleged gang members via the Alien Enemies Act.
As the legal battle intensifies, various judgments have indicated that Mr. Ábrego García's deportation contradicts federal judicial orders. The White House remains steadfast, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly stating he will "never" be allowed back in the U.S. Meanwhile, President Trump suggested that Mr. Ábrego García is "not a very innocent guy," referencing past allegations against him, including a protective order sought by his wife and an unrelated traffic stop.
The case continues to unfold, spotlighting significant questions about immigration enforcement priorities and human rights implications within the U.S. legal framework.
