Four Democratic lawmakers from the House of Representatives have journeyed to El Salvador to draw attention to the situation of a man deported by the Trump administration. Despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating his return, the administration has not facilitated his repatriation, citing a lack of authority. The group, which includes representatives from Arizona, Oregon, Florida, and California, arrived in the Central American nation on Sunday to assess the condition of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had resided in the U.S. for over ten years.
Abrego Garcia’s deportation has been acknowledged by administration officials as a mistake in court documents. However, the Trump administration remains firm in its stance, claiming it lacks the power to bring him back, a decision under scrutiny for potentially defying judicial orders. Abrego Garcia, who previously lived in Maryland with his American wife and three children, was deported in March 2025 despite protected legal status prohibiting his removal to El Salvador.
The visit follows a recent trip by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who met with Abrego Garcia and Salvadoran officials. Efforts to advocate for his return continue, with Democratic lawmakers emphasizing the importance of due process and adherence to the rule of law. They express concerns about the implications of the administration’s actions for American democracy.
Justice Department lawyers have argued in court that they cannot facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return since he is in foreign custody. Administration officials have publicly claimed he was involved in human trafficking and terrorism, justifying his deportation. The White House indicated that should Abrego Garcia return, he would face immediate deportation again.
Senator Van Hollen warned of a constitutional crisis should the administration continue to ignore the Supreme Court order. Democratic voices are increasingly focusing on the due process issue, highlighting judicial findings that Abrego Garcia was deported without a proper hearing. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized the potential dangers of such actions in the court’s ruling.
While Democrats concentrate on due process, House Republicans have visited the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, praising its stringent crime policies. Although some Republicans defend the deportation as part of broader immigration enforcement, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy labeled it a mistake, urging acknowledgment of the error.
President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, advocated for the deportation of lawbreakers to Central American prisons, encouraging the construction of additional facilities. Congressional Republicans have shown limited interest in mediating the dispute between the executive branch and the judiciary. Meanwhile, Democrats, despite being in the minority, aim to maintain pressure on the administration, seeing the case as pivotal for the future of democracy and due process.
