US President Donald Trump launched a fierce assault on Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen on Friday (April 18), after the lawmaker was photographed assembly with alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador.
“Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland appeared like a idiot yesterday standing in El Salvador begging for consideration from the Pretend Information Media, or anybody. GRANDSTANDER!!!” Trump wrote on Fact Social.
“They discuss him like he’s an angel”
Talking from the Oval Workplace, Trump learn from ready notes to stipulate what he described as a disturbing historical past of violence involving Abrego Garcia.
“That prisoner’s file is unbelievably unhealthy,” Trump stated. “They name him ‘the Maryland man.’ He’s a ‘Maryland father’. No, it is a violent individual… They discuss this man like he’s an angel.”
Quoting court docket paperwork, Trump stated two judges had affirmed Garcia’s gang affiliation and listed a number of incidents together with:
- A 2019 arrest whereas sporting a sweatshirt displaying MS-13 symbolism
- A 2022 cease in Tennessee the place he was transporting seven folks with no license
- A number of protecting orders filed by Garcia’s spouse alleging violent abuse
“Garcia’s spouse additionally wrote in court docket… ‘I’m afraid to be near him… I’ve a number of photographs and movies of how violent he could be,’” Trump learn aloud.
Images spark backlash
The controversy ignited after El Salvador President Nayib Bukele shared pictures of Van Hollen assembly with Abrego Garcia, who’s now being held on the nation’s notorious megaprison.
Bukele accused the senator of “sipping margaritas” with Garcia, because the deportation battle over the Salvadoran native intensifies.
Van Hollen, for his half, confirmed the assembly, stating on X, “Tonight I had that likelihood. I’ve referred to as his spouse, Jennifer, to move alongside his message of affection. I sit up for offering a full replace upon my return.”
Deportation error
Garcia, who left El Salvador at age 16, was deported final month together with over 260 different alleged gang members. He had been residing in Maryland together with his spouse and youngsters beneath a protecting order granted in 2019. He has not been convicted of any crime.
In a significant authorized twist, the US Supreme Courtroom lately dominated that the Trump administration should facilitate Garcia’s return, citing an administrative error in his deportation.
Regardless of the ruling, Trump continued to rail in opposition to the case. “That is the person that the Democrats are wanting us to fly again from El Salvador to be a fortunately ensconced member of the USA household. Isn’t it a disgrace?” he stated.
DOJ releases allegations of gang ties
Additional complicating the state of affairs, US Legal professional Common Pam Bondi launched paperwork Wednesday alleging that Garcia was recognized as an energetic MS-13 member in 2019, although no formal expenses have been filed.
The continuing battle over Garcia’s standing has grow to be a flashpoint in broader debates round immigration, deportation coverage.
