On April 21, 2025, The Nation reported on Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen’s return from El Salvador, where he played a pivotal role in highlighting issues surrounding US deportees and demonstrated Democratic leadership amid a politically tense environment. Van Hollen’s actions in El Salvador, notably involving the case of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, drew significant attention, both for challenging the authority of Salvadoran leader Nayib Bukele and for confirming the safety of the detained individual.
During Van Hollen’s presence in El Salvador, he faced obstacles imposed by Salvadoran leadership, restricting access to detainees such as Abrego Garcia. He attempted to independently visit a notorious prison but was halted by military personnel; later, Abrego Garcia was brought to meet him at his hotel. The meeting, steeped in political theater, saw Bukele attempting to downplay the plight of the detainee by presenting an unrealistic image of comfort.
Concurrently, in the US, Democratic leaders initiated a “week of action” to address the rising cost of living, a topic overshadowed by Van Hollen’s high-profile media appearances and his efforts abroad. Despite skepticism from other party members on addressing deportation concerns, Van Hollen showcased a proactive stance, contrasting with some party leaders who were described as slow to act on similar issues.
The broader context involves Van Hollen’s fellow Democrats, including Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, Jamie Raskin, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among those tackling the constitutional challenges underscored by former President Donald Trump’s policies. However, the focus on domestic issues, such as cost hikes in various sectors, seemed to dilute the emphasis on the broader crisis faced by the party.
Van Hollen’s actions may inspire a change in approach within the Democratic Party, demonstrated by other Democrats like Representatives Maxwell Frost and Robert Garcia following his lead to El Salvador. Back at home, ongoing legal battles around deportations of Venezuelans saw some success: a recent Supreme Court ruling halted deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
These activities unfold amidst the complexities of a Trump-influenced political landscape, where Van Hollen’s commitment to constitutional values and due process serves as a message to both allies and adversaries within political circles. This incident exemplifies ongoing struggles faced by Democrats in prioritizing constitutional integrity alongside pressing economic concerns.
Van Hollen remains vocal about the perceived constitutional crisis, contrasting opinions, and approaches from his Senate colleagues like Amy Klobuchar, who maintains cautious optimism about democratic resilience. The evolving legal and political scenarios continue to shape the party’s strategy and response to challenges within and beyond US borders.
