1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I’m disgusted with the White House’s and the Republican Congress’ lies, spin, and manipulation of the facts of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s case. Here are the plain facts as I see them: 1. Regardless of who he is or what he might be accused of, Mr. Abrego Garcia did not receive constitutionally mandated due process before he was spirited away from the United States. He was wrongfully and illegally removed from this country and placed in a foreign prison, where this administration believes he is “out of the reach of the law.” 2. Mr. Abrego Garcia has no criminal record, as shown in court filings released by the U.S. Attorney General. The government claims he is a dangerous man, yet that was not demonstrated in any court hearing prior to his abduction. The American legal system guarantees all persons a chance to stand before a judge and have their case presented to them. 3. Despite a 9-0 decision from the Supreme Court and multiple lower court rulings, the U.S. government has done nothing to even hint that they are “facilitating” Mr. Abrego Garcia’s release. Instead, they mock the notion on X and in the Oval Office. 4. Mr. Abrego Garcia is being held in CECOT, a “prison” that is more accurately called a gulag or concentration camp. Those who enter are never seen again. We only have conclusive proof that Mr. Abrego Garcia is still alive because a U.S. Senator traveled to El Salvador himself to press the issue. Lawyers and human rights observers are routinely denied entry to CECOT. It is a black hole. 5. My tax dollars are being sent to El Salvador to pay for this wretched scheme. This Holy Week, I have been reflecting on Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, that “whatever you did for the least of these, you did to Me.” Earlier in the passage, Christ says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” I am a Christian man, and I believe a higher form of justice awaits us all. I pray you receive better treatment in God’s hands than Kilmar Abrego Garcia did in yours.