Advocate for legal US resident unlawfully deported and imprisoned in El Salvador

Senator Chris Van Hollen was denied entry to the Salvadoran prison holding Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a legal U.S. resident who was unlawfully deported from the United States just last month. As a lawful permanent resident, Mr. Abrego Garcia is entitled to due process and humane treatment. Blocking the Senator's attempt to check on Mr. Abrego Garcia's well-being raises serious concerns about potential human rights violations occurring in the prison system. This disturbing incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency regarding Mr. Abrego Garcia's case. The unlawful deportation itself was a violation of his rights, and now there are valid fears about his safety and access to adequate food, medical care, and legal counsel while in Salvadoran custody. We cannot allow a legal U.S. resident to simply disappear into another country's prison system without oversight or advocacy for his rights. Impartial observers must be allowed to visit Mr. Abrego Garcia immediately, verify his condition, and ensure he is not being mistreated. The U.S. government must also accelerate efforts to secure his prompt return and investigate how such an egregious violation of his constitutional protections was permitted to occur. Decisive action is required now to uphold Mr. Abrego Garcia's rights and America's commitment to ethical immigration enforcement for all legal residents.