Democrats Face Backlash Over Planned Visit to El Salvador Prison Amid Deportation Controversy

A planned congressional trip by Democratic lawmakers to an El Salvadoran prison has sparked intense criticism from conservatives, who accuse them of prioritizing non-citizens over American victims. The trip centers around Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member who was deported during the Trump administration despite a court-issued order protecting him from removal.

Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) recently requested a formal congressional delegation (CODEL) to conduct a welfare check on Abrego Garcia, now detained at the El Salvadoran megaprison known as Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). The request follows the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a lower court ruling, which deemed his deportation illegal due to a 2019 court order granting him protection against removal.

The Biden administration has distanced itself from the deportation, while former Trump officials and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have both claimed that returning Abrego Garcia to the U.S. is not within their jurisdiction. Bukele has dismissed any suggestion that he could “smuggle a terrorist” back into America.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has also expressed intent to visit the prison if Abrego Garcia is not returned, citing concerns about the circumstances of his detention. However, the move has been slammed by several prominent conservatives on social media, who describe the initiative as a “performative international photo-op.”

Critics argue the focus on an alleged gang member stands in stark contrast to Democrats’ perceived silence on victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Commentators like Tim Murtaugh and Caroline Downey have questioned the priorities of those involved, pointing to the case of Laken Riley, a young woman recently murdered by an undocumented immigrant.

The controversy has further fueled partisan tension over immigration policy and public safety, with GOP figures accusing Democrats of being out of touch with American concerns.

While the Supreme Court ruling affirmed that Abrego Garcia’s deportation was unlawful, Trump allies argue that the broader takeaway is the reaffirmation of presidential authority in matters of foreign policy. As the case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement, legal protections, and humanitarian obligations.