Sanctuary Cities – Democrats CRY FOUL!

Democrats rally around alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia, sparking fierce backlash from Trump officials and raising questions about priorities in immigration policy.

At a Glance

  • Senator Chris Van Hollen and other Democrats are traveling to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported by the Trump administration
  • Trump’s border czar Tom Homan and White House officials harshly criticized Democrats for supporting an alleged MS-13 gang member
  • Garcia’s wife and lawyer deny gang connections, claiming he was wrongfully deported despite a Supreme Court order
  • El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has stated his country will not return Garcia to the United States
  • The case highlights the deep political divide over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies

Democrats Advocate for Deported Salvadoran While Republicans Cry Foul

A growing number of Democratic lawmakers, led by Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, are traveling to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant deported by the Trump administration over alleged MS-13 gang ties.

Van Hollen claims Garcia was “illegally abducted” and should be returned to the United States, where he has an American wife and son. Garcia entered the U.S. in 2011 and was allowed to stay in 2019, but was later deported despite a Supreme Court order that should have facilitated his return.

Trump administration officials have responded with outrage. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung blasted Van Hollen, stating: “Chris and his bedwetting friends have shown more concern and sympathy for an illegal MS-13 gang member than victims of horrific migrant crimes. He is a complete disgrace to his office and should be thoroughly shamed for his disgusting actions.” Garcia’s wife and legal team adamantly deny any gang connections, insisting his deportation was unlawful.

Border Czar Homan Leads Republican Pushback

Tom Homan, Trump’s former acting ICE director and designated border czar, has emerged as a leading voice criticizing the Democrats’ actions. In multiple television appearances, Homan defended the deportation of Garcia and questioned Democrats’ priorities. “He wasn’t abducted. He’s an MS-13 gang member, classified as a terrorist that was removed from this country, so we got rid of a dangerous person. An El Salvadoran national was returned to the country of El Salvador, so he’s home,” Homan stated.

Homan has contrasted Democrats’ advocacy for Garcia with what he sees as insufficient attention to victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. He specifically referenced the murder of Rachel Morin, a case that has received significant attention from conservative media. Homan accused Van Hollen of neglecting constituents in his own state to “run to El Salvador to protect MS-13 terrorists,” highlighting the intensely partisan nature of the immigration debate.

Broader Immigration Policy Implications

The Garcia case illuminates the ongoing battle over sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Former President Trump has declared, “No more Sanctuary Cities! They protect the Criminals, not the Victims. They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World.” Trump has proposed withholding federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions, while Homan has suggested prosecuting leaders of such cities and states.

“The murder of Rachel Morin… listen to the testimony and listen to the mother on ‘Hannity’ last night. If you’re not human… your heart wasn’t broken. It [happened] in his state, but rather than taking care of the constituents in his state, the victims of illegal crime in his state, he’s going to run to El Salvador to protect MS-13 terrorists.”, said Tom Homan.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has inserted himself into the controversy, stating his administration will not return Garcia to the United States. This creates a diplomatic standoff as more Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Cory Booker and Representative Robert Garcia, plan visits to advocate for Abrego Garcia’s release. The case represents the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, foreign policy, and domestic politics that continues to divide the nation.

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