Maryland Senator Says El Salvador Denied Him Meeting, Phone Call With Deported Man | The Epoch Times

Key Players and Events

The article centers on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) attempted to meet or speak with Abrego Garcia, but was denied by El Salvador's government. The deportation was deemed an 'administrative error' by the Department of Justice, despite claims from the Trump administration that Abrego Garcia was an MS-13 gang member.

The Dispute

Van Hollen's efforts to secure a meeting with Abrego Garcia were met with resistance. El Salvador's Vice President, Félix Ulloa, claimed that 'earlier provisions' were needed to visit the prison. Further attempts to contact Abrego Garcia via phone were also unsuccessful. Van Hollen accused the Trump administration of violating American court orders and implied that El Salvador was being paid to detain Abrego Garcia.

Conflicting Accounts and Allegations

The article presents conflicting perspectives. The Trump administration alleges Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, relying on information from a confidential informant. However, Abrego Garcia's lawyers, family, and presiding judge deny these allegations, citing the lack of evidence and the grant of 'withholding of removal' status in 2019.

• Department of Justice: Deportation was an 'administrative error'.
• Trump Administration: Claims Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member.
• El Salvador: Refuses to release Abrego Garcia without evidence of his innocence.
• Senator Van Hollen: Accuses the Trump administration and El Salvador of violating due process.

Ultimately, the article highlights the ongoing legal and political battle surrounding Abrego Garcia's case, focusing on the roles of the US and El Salvador governments and the lack of a resolution.