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House Democrats Demand Proof of Life for Deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Members of the House of Representatives who traveled to El Salvador in an effort to secure the freedom of Kilmar Abrego Garcia have issued a formal request to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They are insisting on “daily proof of life” for Abrego Garcia after being denied a meeting with him. He was recently deported from Maryland.
The delegation, which includes Representatives Robert Garcia from California, Maxwell Frost from Florida, Yassamin Ansari from Arizona, and Maxine Dexter from Oregon, arrived in El Salvador on Monday. Their visit follows a trip made by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland the week prior.
During a morning briefing at the U.S. embassy in El Salvador, Ansari expressed frustrations regarding the lack of proactive measures from the U.S. administration in securing Abrego Garcia’s return. “I have no reason to believe that our administration, under the Trump administration, is taking actionable steps for his safe return,” she said.
She further elaborated, “After not receiving satisfactory answers from the embassy today, we sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, demanding daily proof of life for Mr. Abrego Garcia. We are also calling for him to have legal counsel and ensuring his safe return.” She concluded her remarks by vowing that their efforts will continue until their demands are met.
Controversy Surrounding Deportation
Abrego Garcia, 29, came to the U.S. illegally, eventually settling in Maryland where he obtained legal protected status. His deportation last month was acknowledged in court as an administrative blunder. However, some former Trump administration officials argue that his removal was justified, claiming affiliations with the notorious MS-13 gang.
Representative Frost stated that the lawmakers formally requested a meeting with Abrego Garcia but were informed that the Salvadoran government denied this request as the trip was classified as unofficial.
“We are receiving numerous calls from constituents across the nation urging us to address this situation,” Frost noted. “People are worried as the President suggests sending U.S. citizens to Salvadoran prisons.”
Ensuring the Safety of Abrego Garcia
This recent photo shows Kilmar Abrego Garcia, with his condition currently unknown. The representatives emphasized that they want to act before circumstances deteriorate further. Frost remarked, “We want to build on the groundwork laid by Senator Van Hollen, who was able to demonstrate that Abrego Garcia is alive and well during his visit.”
His family, particularly his wife Jennifer Vasquez, a U.S. citizen, expressed deep gratitude towards the Congressional members and justice advocates actively working on the ground in El Salvador. “We appreciate their presence, which sends a strong message: the fight to bring Kilmar home is far from over,” she stated.
Next Steps in Advocacy
The bipartisan effort highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the complexities involved in deportation cases, especially those entangled in issues of legal status and alleged criminal affiliations. As discussions continue in Washington, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and legal rights of those affected by such policies.
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