Senator Van Hollen Addresses Controversy Over El Salvador Photo-Op

Senator Chris Van Hollen clarified that the margarita drinks seen in a viral photo from his El Salvador trip were not consumed, labeling the scene a staged photo-op. He raised concerns over the constitutional implications of the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has faced allegations of gang affiliation and domestic abuse, disputing the evidence presented against him. Van Hollen also announced his opposition to federal funding for Garcia’s detention, stressing the necessity of due process in the justice system.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland recently addressed the controversy following his trip to El Salvador, where a photo depicted him and deported immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia with margarita glasses. He clarified that the drinks were staged and never touched, emphasizing that, “Nobody drank any margaritas or sugar water or whatever it is.” This incident, dubbed “margarita-gate,” emerged after Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele shared the image, which Van Hollen claims was designed to obscure a constitutional crisis.

During his remarks at Dulles International Airport, Van Hollen criticized both Bukele and the Trump administration for creating distractions amid serious issues. He further stated, “This is a lesson into the lengths that President Bukele will do to deceive people” regarding state actions. The controversy ties back to Garcia’s deportation, which the senator and other Democrats argue violated due process, despite claims from the Trump administration regarding Garcia’s alleged criminal history.

Reports have surfaced implicating Garcia in gang-related activities and domestic abuse, specifically within MS-13. Despite these claims, Van Hollen asserted that no substantive evidence linking Garcia to such activities has been presented in court. He rebuked the Trump administration’s approach to the deportation, stating, “The government in this case… is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process.”

Van Hollen disclosed that the U.S. had allocated $15 million to support El Salvador’s detention operations, of which over $4 million had been disbursed. He opposed further funding for the detainment, promising, “I won’t support the use of one penny of taxpayer dollars to keep Abrego Garcia illegally detained in El Salvador.”

As questions arose regarding the appropriateness of advocating for someone with a criminal background, critics drew comparisons to victims like Rachel Morin, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant. Van Hollen acknowledged the pain of Morin’s family, maintaining his stance that the legal system must ensure due process for all individuals. He stated, “The reason we have courts of law is to punish the guilty, but also to make sure that those who have not committed crimes are not found guilty and arbitrarily detained.”

In summary, Senator Chris Van Hollen’s El Salvador trip faced scrutiny due to a staged photo involving margaritas. He emphasized the lack of due process in the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, countering claims of criminality due to insufficient evidence. Van Hollen’s commitment to opposing unauthorized taxpayer funding for detention operations highlights his position on immigrants’ rights. Despite criticism, he reiterates the importance of due process within the legal system.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com