Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has confirmed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is alive following a meeting with him in El Salvador. This comes as part of Van Hollen’s ongoing efforts to secure Garcia’s return to the United States after his controversial deportation earlier this year. Despite an immigration court’s order blocking Garcia’s removal, he was deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration in March.
During the meeting, Van Hollen communicated with Garcia’s wife, Jennifer, conveying messages of love and support. The senator has promised to provide further updates on Garcia’s situation upon his return to the U.S. Currently, there has been no new information regarding Garcia’s legal status or the advancement of his case.
Both President Donald Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have stated that there are no legal grounds for Garcia’s return to the U.S. However, the Trump administration has acknowledged the deportation as a mistake, and the U.S. Supreme Court has urged officials to facilitate his return.
The senator’s visit included an attempt to enter the high-security Terrorism Confinement Center, where Garcia is being held, but Van Hollen was denied entry. Meanwhile, Garcia’s wife expressed through an advocacy group that the situation is still filled with uncertainty and emotional turmoil.