Maryland Sen. Van Hollen shares photo with Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador

After traveling to El Salvador in order to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported from the United States, Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., successfully connected with him. Van Hollen shared a photo of their meeting on X, expressing his main goal of the trip was to meet with Kilmar and provide an update upon his return.

Abrego Garcia’s wife was informed that the meeting was arranged by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, although she was not able to speak with her husband and remains unsure of his current whereabouts. In a statement provided by CASA, an immigration advocacy group representing the family, Abrego Garcia’s wife expressed relief that her prayers have been answered and vowed to continue fighting for his return home.

Earlier that day, Van Hollen shared a video on social media showing guards preventing him and others from entering CECOT, the prison where Abrego Garcia is being held. The U.S. Supreme Court and a Maryland federal judge have ordered the government to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. after acknowledging that his deportation was a result of an administrative error. The Trump administration has claimed they are unable to bring him back and have accused him of being a member of the MS-13 gang, a claim that has not been substantiated in court.

Details surrounding the status of Abrego Garcia’s case remain unclear at this time. The White House criticized Van Hollen for his advocacy on behalf of Abrego Garcia, alleging without substantial evidence that he is a gang member. Despite these challenges, efforts to secure Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. continue.

This article is a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.