Kilmar’s traumatic history becomes intertwined with his detention in El Salvador. Fortunately, he has found an advocate in Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, who recently introduced the Real Infrastructure Advancement (RIA) Act. At that same convening, III Points, Garcia shared his harrowing story of post-incarceration wrongful deportation. He spoke with particular passion about concern for his family, concern for his 5-year-old son recently diagnosed with autism. Garcia’s plight has sparked outrage, focusing a spotlight on larger goings-on that exemplify the destructive impact of the cruel immigration policies of the Trump administration.
Garcia shared her story of a traumatic experience that began with her incarceration in an El Salvadoran detention center. He was transferred over a week ago from CECOT, known for housing terrorism suspects, to another facility in Santa Ana. The new center is an improvement beyond anything CECOT could have imagined. Now, he is able to get the healthcare he requires for his previously existing high blood pressure condition. Even with these improvements, Garcia’s life continues to be indelibly marked by what he endured.
Garcia revealed his continuing trauma to Senator Van Hollen. In an emotional interview, he candidly discussed the toll that being away from home has taken on him and his family. He said he was only “OK,” but he emphasized the deep effect of his personhood on his mental health. Throughout their meeting, Garcia repeatedly mentioned his son, underscoring how thoughts of his family provided him with strength during this troubling time.
“Thinking of my family gave me the strength to persevere.” – Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Garcia’s legal struggles began when he was mistakenly deported last month, an incident attributed to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. He has no criminal record in the United States or El Salvador. Notwithstanding this, the administration has since classified him as a member of the unspeakably awful MS-13 gang. This erroneous characterization has raised profound questions about the constitutionality of his deportation. We all express concern for what might happen to him upon his return to El Salvador.
Deputy Chief Immigration Judge Thomas E. Snow ruled that Garcia had a “well-founded fear of future persecution” from local gangs. Like many others, this ruling granted him temporary protection from deportation. In light of recent developments, Van Hollen has come to call Garcia’s deportation an “illegal abduction.” The senator’s advocacy is rooted in a belief that safeguarding constitutional rights is essential for all individuals residing in the country.
“As the federal courts have said, we need to bring Mr. Abrego Garcia home to protect his constitutional rights to due process.” – Senator Chris Van Hollen
Van Hollen was adamant that Garcia’s case is bigger than just one person. He cast the argument as a sign of a broader assault on constitutional rights, not just for Christina and Matt in New Jersey but for all Americans. He reasoned that stripping due process from one individual would create a slippery slope that ultimately endangers every resident’s rights.
“If you deny the constitutional rights of one man, you threaten the constitutional rights and due process for everyone else in America.” – Senator Chris Van Hollen
The ramifications of Garcia’s case have received unprecedented support from state and local politicians, and now the White House. During appropriations negotiations last year, President Donald Trump singled out Senator Van Hollen for his advocacy. He said the senator made him appear “like a fool” amid his trip to El Salvador. Additionally, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele mockingly remarked on the senator’s meetings while emphasizing that they were held in a picturesque setting.
“They actually wanted to have the meeting by the side of the pool.” – Senator Chris Van Hollen
In the face of all this pressure, Van Hollen has only doubled down on his efforts to support Garcia. That’s what media coverage of Garcia’s struggle does—flood the gates with public pressure to compel officials to do the right thing. The senator underscored that two large press conferences were held while Garcia was imprisoned in El Salvador. This indicates the increasing public interest in his case.
“They were feeling the pressure because while I was in El Salvador, we had two major press conferences that included the local press who reported on this.” – Senator Chris Van Hollen
As advocates call on Congress to pass comprehensive reform, Garcia’s plight is a prime example of the harsh realities faced at the crossroads of policy and personal tragedy. Advocates argue that it is critical to recognize individual stories like Garcia’s, reminding lawmakers of the human impact behind immigration policies.