An incident involving a deported prisoner and an American senator in El Salvador has sparked controversy, with accusations of misrepresentation. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has criticized the Salvadoran government for allegedly staging a meeting between himself and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran citizen, to suggest a relaxed ambiance. The meeting was reportedly set near a hotel pool, with drinks resembling margaritas on the table, although Van Hollen asserts they only had water and possibly coffee. This situation has been dubbed “Margaritagate” on social media.
Abrego Garcia was deported from the United States to El Salvador in March by the Trump administration, despite an immigration court order preventing such action. The U.S. Supreme Court has since prompted the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., though current presidents Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele claim there is no justification for his return.
At a news conference held at Dulles International Airport upon his return from El Salvador, Van Hollen accused President Bukele of trying to deceive the public about the meeting with Abrego Garcia by sharing photos online showing drinks garnished with cherries. The senator explained that during their initial discussion at the hotel, only water and possibly coffee were present. However, other beverages, seemingly margaritas, were brought to the table later by government officials.
President Bukele shared images on social media of Van Hollen and Abrego Garcia together, captioned with remarks about Abrego Garcia enjoying a tropical setting. Van Hollen revealed that the Salvadoran government initially suggested the meeting take place poolside, which he believes was an attempt to create an illusion of a comfortable lifestyle for Abrego Garcia.
During the news conference, Van Hollen also disclosed that Abrego Garcia had been moved from the high-security Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) to a facility with better conditions. Van Hollen suspects the change in detention was motivated by a desire to avoid negative publicity. He noted that Abrego Garcia had been isolated without contact since his deportation, and it remains unclear where he was taken following their meeting.
Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, was visibly emotional during the conference as Van Hollen relayed her husband’s wish to communicate with her. She did not offer any comments at the event.
