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Topline
Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland has publicly called out California Governor Gavin Newsom over his recent remarks regarding the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported. In a series of media appearances on Sunday, Van Hollen expressed his disagreement with Newsom’s assertion that the situation was merely a “distraction” created by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
Last week, Newsom stated that the case of Abrego Garcia exemplified the “distraction of the day” intended to divert attention from the administration’s tariff discussions, suggesting that the GOP aims to evade responsibility regarding current market issues.
Responding to Newsom’s comments during an interview with NBC News, Van Hollen stated, “It’s never wrong to defend the Constitution.” He emphasized the serious implications of Abrego Garcia’s situation, which has seen the Trump administration largely disregard a Supreme Court order for his reintegration into the U.S., potentially undermining the constitutional rights of American citizens.
“People are disenchanted with politicians who blow with the wind,” Van Hollen remarked, seemingly targeting Newsom, and reinforced that anyone failing to uphold constitutional rights and due process should not be in a leadership position.
In a follow-up statement the next day, Newsom reiterated his concerns during a social media post, urging supporters not to lose focus and stressing the necessity of highlighting the Trump administration’s failure to comply with court rulings.
Newsom included a segment from an interview with political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, in which he insisted that the administration’s noncompliance with the Abrego Garcia court ruling must be consistently addressed.
Key Background
Governor Newsom’s “distraction” comment arose as he initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its extensive tariff policies, criticizing the president’s use of emergency powers and the subsequent effects on California’s economy, one of the world’s largest. He remarked that the debate over Abrego Garcia’s case was a preferred issue for the administration, describing it as a focal point of their strategy. Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador last month without undergoing trial, despite holding protection under U.S. law that allows individuals to live and work temporarily in the country. The administration has since acknowledged that his deportation stemmed from a “clerical error.”
Senator Van Hollen has been actively advocating for Abrego Garcia’s return, including a recent meeting with him during which he defended Abrego Garcia against accusations by the Trump administration claiming he is affiliated with the MS-13 gang. Van Hollen referenced a ruling from District Court Judge Paula Xinis, stating on April 6 that the government has not presented any evidence connecting Abrego Garcia to MS-13 or any terrorist activities. Judge Xinis, alongside the Supreme Court, also ordered the administration to enable Abrego Garcia’s return and urged the government to substantiate the MS-13 claims in a court of law.
Tangent
In various media discussions on Sunday, Van Hollen clarified that his support lies not with Abrego Garcia as an individual but with his constitutional rights to due process. “I want to make it clear—I’m defending the rights of the man, not making a personal endorsement,” he stated during his appearance on “Fox News Sunday.”
Further Reading
Sen. Van Hollen Says Trump Administration Made $15 Million Deal With El Salvador To Imprison Deportees Including Abrego Garcia (Forbes)
Sen. Van Hollen Meets Kilmar Abrego Garcia In El Salvador (Forbes)
Trump Administration Says It Will Simply Re-Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia If He Is Brought Back To U.S. (Forbes)
Source
www.forbes.com