Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen embarks on a controversial journey to El Salvador, triggering debates about immigration policy and use of taxpayer funds.
According to The Daily Caller, Sen. Chris Van Hollen's recent trip to El Salvador, aimed at securing the return of deported illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was likely funded by taxpayer dollars, as revealed by multiple Senate aides familiar with congressional travel protocols.
Six individuals with knowledge of congressional travel arrangements, including three current Senate aides and one former aide, indicated that Van Hollen's trip bears the hallmarks of a Congressional Member Delegation (CODEL). These official visits traditionally receive federal funding and require approval from committee chairs or Senate leadership.
Ted Cruz addressed the funding controversy during his "Verdict" podcast, acknowledging senators' prerogative to conduct international travel while criticizing the underlying mission. He emphasized that while such trips typically align with senatorial responsibilities, the attempt to repatriate an alleged MS-13 member represents questionable policy.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch's office confirmed they did not authorize the trip. However, they noted that other committees and Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, possess the authority to approve such travel arrangements.
Representatives Maxwell Frost and Robert Garcia's subsequent letter requesting their own CODEL to El Salvador referenced existing Senate authorization for CECOT travel, suggesting an established framework for such visits.
Van Hollen's efforts to meet with Abrego Garcia proved unsuccessful, with El Salvador's vice president unable to facilitate the interaction. President Nayib Bukele firmly rejected the possibility of returning Abrego Garcia during an Oval Office meeting with President Trump.
Court documents reveal that Abrego Garcia was initially detained in 2019 alongside ranking MS-13 members. Two immigration judges concurred with government assessments identifying him as a "verified member" of the gang who posed public safety risks.
Senate aide comments reflected growing frustration with the priorities demonstrated by the trip:
I wouldn't be surprised at all if Van Hollen's little PR stunt to support an illegal alien was actually paid for by hardworking Americans. Democrats like Van Hollen are more outraged by a justified deportation than they are by horrific crimes committed by criminal illegals in the U.S. This little trip is a perfect example of why Americans overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and his commonsense immigration policies.
Independent journalist Andy Ngo uncovered court documents showing that Abrego Garcia's wife had previously filed two domestic violence protection orders against him. This revelation added another layer of complexity to Van Hollen's characterization of Abrego Garcia as his "constituent."
The White House highlighted the contrast in Van Hollen's priorities by hosting Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was murdered by an illegal alien in Maryland. Morin expressed outrage over Van Hollen's minimal acknowledgment of her daughter's death while actively pursuing Abrego Garcia's return.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen's taxpayer-funded trip to El Salvador aimed to secure the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported individual with alleged MS-13 ties. The senator's office has not responded to inquiries about the trip's funding sources.
The controversial mission highlighted growing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and constituent advocacy. While Van Hollen pledges to continue fighting for what he views as constituent interests, President Bukele's firm stance against returning Abrego Garcia suggests limited prospects for the senator's objectives.
