Sen. Chris Van Hollen's diplomatic mission to El Salvador faced a significant setback during his attempt to meet with a controversial deportee.

According to Breitbart, the Democratic senator from Maryland was blocked by Salvadoran authorities from meeting with Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang leader who was recently deported from the United States despite a 2019 judicial decision barring his removal.

During his visit, Van Hollen met with Vice President Félix Ulloa to discuss Abrego Garcia's case, arguing that there was no evidence linking him to MS-13. The senator's request to meet the deportee was denied, with officials citing the need for "earlier provisions" to arrange such a meeting.

White House and El Salvador maintain firm stance

The Biden administration has presented substantial allegations against Abrego Garcia. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined three key points regarding the deportee's background, including his alleged leadership role in MS-13 and involvement in human trafficking activities.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador dismissed the possibility of Abrego Garcia's return during a meeting with President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other U.S. officials. Bukele characterized questions about returning the deportee as "preposterous."

El Salvador's government reportedly receives funding from the Trump administration to keep Abrego Garcia detained at CECOT, according to Vice President Ulloa's response to Van Hollen's inquiries.

Controversial deportation sparks political debate

The case has ignited heated discussions between Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats portray Abrego Garcia as a "Maryland father with protected status," the White House maintains its position on his gang affiliations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared:

The administration maintains the position that this individual — who was deported to El Salvador, and will not be returning to our county was a member of the brutal and vicious MS-13 gang. That is fact number one. Fact number two, we also have credible intelligence proving that this individual was involved in human trafficking. And, fact number three, this individual was a member, actually a leader, of the brutal MS-13 gang — which this President has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Additional concerns have emerged regarding Abrego Garcia's background, including reports of domestic violence. A Maryland order of protection filed in 2021 by his wife has surfaced, further complicating the narrative surrounding his case.

Congressional pressure mounts on El Salvador

Van Hollen has pledged continued efforts to secure Abrego Garcia's release from CECOT. The senator made strong commitments to the deportee's family and warned of increased congressional attention to the situation.

El Salvador's President Bukele stated during the Oval Office meeting with President Trump:

The question is preposterous. How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don't have the power to return him to the United States.

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling that the Trump administration must facilitate Abrego Garcia's release, the situation remains at an impasse between U.S. and Salvadoran authorities.

Complex international case unfolds

Senator Chris Van Hollen's blocked attempt to meet with Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia highlights the ongoing tensions between U.S. lawmakers and Salvadoran authorities over the controversial deportation. The case involves multiple layers of complexity, from domestic court rulings to international diplomatic relations, while both countries maintain opposing positions regarding Abrego Garcia's status and future. As Van Hollen promises increased congressional involvement, the dispute between U.S. Democrats and both the Trump administration and El Salvador's government shows no signs of resolution.