After flying to El Salvador in quest of a gathering with the Maryland resident who courts say was erroneously deported from the US final month, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., shared a photograph with Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
The Maryland senator, who flew to the country on Wednesday, shared a photo on X on Thursday night of him sitting down with Abrego Garcia.
“I stated my principal aim of this journey was to fulfill with Kilmar. Tonight I had that likelihood. I’ve known as his spouse, Jennifer, to cross alongside his message of affection. I stay up for offering a full replace upon my return,” Van Hollen stated within the publish.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen shares photograph of assembly Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen/ X
Abrego Garcia’s spouse was advised that the assembly between Abrego Garcia and Sen. Chris Van Hollen was arrange by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, a supply near the household advised ABC Information.
The supply stated Abrego Garcia and his spouse, Jennifer Vasquez, weren’t capable of communicate, including that the household doesn’t know the place Abrego Garcia is being held.
In an announcement from Vasquez offered by CASA, an immigration advocacy group that’s representing the household, Abrego Garcia’s spouse stated her prayers have been answered.
“My youngsters and my prayers have been answered,” Vasquez stated. “The efforts of my household and group in combating for justice are being heard, as a result of I now know that my husband is alive. God is listening, and the group is standing robust.” “We nonetheless have so many questions, hopes, and fears,” Vasquez added. “I’ll proceed praying and combating for Kilmar’s return residence,” she stated.
The assembly comes after Van Hollen shared a video on social media earlier on Thursday exhibiting guards stopping him and others from getting into CECOT, the jail the place Abrego Garcia is being held.
The Supreme Courtroom and a Maryland federal decide ordered that the U.S. authorities “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. after the Division of Justice stated in court docket filings that the 29-year-old father was wrongfully deported due to an “administrative error.”
The Trump administration has alleged it can not deliver him again and claimed exterior of court docket that Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang.
Additional particulars of the standing of Abrego Garcia’s case haven’t but been offered.
Salvadoran troopers stand guard, because the CECOT emblem is seen, throughout a media tour on the Terrorism Confinement Middle (CECOT) jail, in Tecoluca, El Salvador April 4, 2025.
Jose Cabezas/Reuters
The White Home slammed Van Hollen for making the journey and advocating for Abrego Garcia, claiming with little proof, that Abrego Garcia is a gang member.
The Justice Division has not charged Abrego Garcia with any gang-related crimes and his alleged MS-13 membership has been disputed in court docket.
ABC Information’ Katherine Faulders contributed to this report.
This can be a growing story. Please verify again for updates.
