Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland confirmed that his recent trip to El Salvador, which has been shrouded in controversy, was financed by U.S. taxpayer dollars. The trip's purpose was to advocate for the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported due to alleged gang affiliations.
During an interview, Van Hollen was questioned about the funding for his trip. He acknowledged that it was an "officially cleared congressional trip," implying that it was a standard procedure for such delegations, known as CODELs. These trips are subject to approval by congressional leadership and involve coordination with foreign affairs committees. Senators are required to adhere to strict ethics rules and report any gifts or expenses.
The trip has drawn significant attention due to Van Hollen's earlier reference to Abrego Garcia as an "American citizen" and a promise to fight for his "constituent." This statement was later clarified by his staff, stating that the senator had "misspoke" and was referring to Garcia's U.S.-born wife. However, requests for further details about the trip's funding and justification have gone unanswered, leaving questions about the total cost to taxpayers.
The situation became more contentious when four Democratic lawmakers traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Abrego Garcia, despite a rejection of official travel authorization by House Oversight Chairman James Comer. Comer stated that no taxpayer funds would be approved for such an excursion, raising questions about how the trip was funded.
The case of Abrego Garcia has been controversial, with court records and a Department of Justice Gang Field Interview Sheet indicating his connection to MS-13, a notorious gang. Despite his claims of danger if returned to El Salvador, he has been identified as a gang member and labeled a public safety threat by two immigration judges.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been outspoken on the matter, criticizing Van Hollen's advocacy efforts. DHS stated on social media that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member involved in human trafficking and that his deportation was inevitable. They further accused Van Hollen of prioritizing the return of a gang member over the safety of his constituents and advocating for victims of gangs like MS-13.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas commented on the issue in his podcast, "Verdict," criticizing the Democrats' policy and politics. He acknowledged their right to travel to El Salvador but questioned their focus on advocating for a gang member's return to the United States.
The controversy surrounding Van Hollen's trip and the advocacy for Abrego Garcia raises questions about the use of taxpayer funds and the priorities of elected officials. It also highlights the complex issues involving immigration, public safety, and the responsibilities of public servants.