A meeting between a U.S. Senator and a detained legal resident of the United States took place in El Salvador, marking a significant development in an ongoing international legal case. Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing Maryland, met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia on Thursday night, following Abrego Garcia’s controversial removal to a high-security Salvadoran prison. The incident occurred without due process, sparking concerns and prompting Van Hollen to travel to San Salvador to advocate for his release.
The senator shared a photograph on social media, depicting himself and Abrego Garcia at a dining area, suggesting a hotel setting. Van Hollen expressed that his primary objective for this visit was fulfilled by meeting with Abrego Garcia. He relayed a message of love to Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer, reaffirming his commitment to the case.
Initially, the prospects of such an encounter seemed slim. Earlier, Van Hollen reported that his request to visit Abrego Garcia was declined by Vice President Félix Ulloa. Subsequent attempts to access the Terrorism Confinement Center, known as CECOT, where Abrego Garcia is held, were thwarted by military personnel at a checkpoint.
The circumstances leading to the successful meeting remain unclear, yet there are indications that the office of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele played a role. President Bukele took to social media, commenting on the meeting with a mocking tone. He described the event as Abrego Garcia having “miraculously risen from the ‘death camps’ & ‘torture’” and now enjoying refreshments with Senator Van Hollen in El Salvador. The images shared by Bukele featured beverages embellished with salted rims and cherries, contrasting with those posted by Van Hollen.
Despite a U.S. Supreme Court order directing the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, President Bukele asserted that Abrego Garcia would remain in custody in El Salvador. This statement follows claims from the Trump administration labeling Abrego Garcia as a “terrorist,” although he has never faced charges or convictions in the United States.
Senator Van Hollen is anticipated to address the media upon returning to the United States, providing further details and insights into the meeting and the ongoing legal situation.