Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland is urging the Trump administration to stop discussing the criminal history of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who was recently deported. Van Hollen made these comments during an appearance on ABC’s This Week on April 20. He emphasized that the matter should be handled in court, not on social media.
Abrego Garcia, who was ordered deported in 2019, has been accused of serious crimes, including domestic violence and gang involvement with MS-13. Van Hollen believes that such allegations should be presented before a judge rather than used as political fodder online. He pointed out that the Trump administration is trying to shift the narrative to distract from other issues.
“Put your facts in court, not on social media,” Van Hollen said, referring to the case overseen by Judge Catherine C. Blake, who was nominated by President Obama. He expressed concern that the administration is attempting to litigate public opinion instead of respecting the judicial process.
Polls indicate that many Americans support the swift deportation of migrants with criminal records, which may explain Van Hollen’s stance. He and other Democrats are advocating for a more measured approach to immigration, aiming to slow down the deportation of millions of undocumented migrants. This group, they argue, contributes to the economy and supports local communities.
Despite Van Hollen’s calls for restraint, Trump’s officials are moving forward with deportations, claiming they are acting within the law. The political debate surrounding immigration remains heated, with both sides presenting their views on how best to handle the issue.