Van Hollen shouldn't have been the only Democrat who went to El Salvador, but he was, and he will be rewarded for getting confirmation that Abrego Garcia is still alive.
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I think this was on purpose. So if necessary, they could continue the pressure if necessary and other thoughts I will keep to myself but at least the pressure allowed all, especially his family has confirmation.
Several of them arranged for a CODEL but it was not approved by CBP and DHS. No surprise there. Don't know if Van Hollen flew commercial by himself. Maybe we'll find out tomorrow.
I think it was exactly the right number, and great that he got something done. I hated all the Republican border photo op trips and would hate seeing a similar photo op visit from Democrats. That shit is waste and abuse.
Maybe he told them to stay away. Deals and/or threats made that happened. Van Hollen was being held away by armed El Salvadoran soldiers 8 hours ago. Something shifted. He didn’t go for a photo op fly by.
He should have been the only it is his constituent if a bunch of DEMS went running down there it would look like and would be purely performative. This was effective and a good thing.
If there had been a "delegation," it would have been a PR show that wouldn't have had as big of an impact as Van Hollen's solo meeting. It would have taken the spotlight away from Abrego Garcia and this insane situation.
Abrego Garcia is Senator Van Hollen’s constituent. That pretty much is the answer you need. We also know there plans by other people in congress to make their own arrangements.
Still alive... well, today at least. But maybe not tomorrow. Don’t be surprised if he has a “cardiac event” or suddenly kicks the bucket under mysterious circumstances in the weeks to come.
Funny I didn’t see anything that resembled a margarita on that table … little mister black tee shirt and slacks is going to find himself on the wrong side of history when this all shakes out
I am from Maryland. Senator Van Hollen went because Mr Garcia is a resident. Maryland is the FREE STATE. This is our nature. Sen. Hollen’s actions will be rewarded. Others will follow. Not just in Maryland in the nation. Proud of my state and Governor Wes Moore. The best to Mr Garcia
Not so sure a larger delegation would've been better. El Salvador's dictator may have resisted more. Van Hollen represents Garcia's district and was the correct person to go.
Representative Auchincloss nailed it: This isn’t about the border—it’s about power. In America, if you’re on our soil, you stand before a judge as an equal. No exceptions. Due process isn’t optional. The Maryland case is a test of who we are. https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3ln3w5yqbu324
El Salvador leader isn’t stupid! He’s getting money to take care of this victim of trump racism! He knows damn well trump is corrupt and Garcia isn’t a criminal or gang member! He’s seeing someone from his country being treated like shit by the US! He’s playing along with trump’s game for the money!
Completely appropriate for Sen Van Hollen to go. Garcia is his constituent & demonstrates Sen Van Hollen is serious about mission. Sending a gaggle of legislators would turn it into photo op & undermine seriousness of mission. Can't we just say, thank you Sen Van Hollen w/o trashing someone else?
Van Hollen is this man’s Senator. I agree more people should be going. Van Hollen was the right person to go and sending too many could also be taken the wrong way.
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GOP Rep. Won't Authorize Dems' Trip To El Salvador To See Kilmar Abrego Garcia
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kilmar-abrego-garcia-el-salvador_n_68014b8ce4b027910a16174c
But I agree, other Dems should board planes and get down there to fight for the rest of the illegally abducted individuals.
...well, useless.
Still.
Stupefying he was by himself
Still true today
his story hit, it registered, and Van Hollen stepped up when nobody else was and has had real impact.
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/democrats-border-bill-wrong/