During a recent visit to El Salvador, Representative Robert Garcia of California, along with three other Democratic House members, aimed to address the fate of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported by the U.S. government. Despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating assistance, the government has yet to intervene in his case effectively.

The Challenge of Repatriating Abrego Garcia

Rep. Garcia, along with his colleagues—Yassamin Ansari (Arizona), Maxine Dexter (Oregon), and Maxwell Frost (Florida)—was denied access to Abrego Garcia during their visit. However, they did provide some hope to the family and legal team of another deportee, Andry José Hernández Romero, who has been detained in a facility known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).

Romero’s Case: A Struggle for Transparency

Garcia emphasized the troubling nature of Romero’s situation, noting the lack of communication regarding his wellbeing. No legal representation has been accessible to him, raising significant concerns about his status and health. “His family have no idea if he’s still alive,” Garcia reported during discussions. The visit concluded with an acknowledgment from the U.S. embassy in El Salvador, promising to investigate Romero’s condition.

The Narrative of Deportation: A Troubling Trend

Romero is originally from Venezuela, seeking asylum in the U.S. due to his sexual orientation and criticism of his country’s authoritarian regime. After passing a preliminary asylum interview, he was detained, then deported without clear warning along with many others. His lawyer, Melissa Shepard, discovered his whereabouts only through media news coverage.

Personal Reflections from Representative Garcia

Garcia, who himself immigrated to the U.S. as a child, resonates deeply with Romero’s story. His own journey from undocumented status to citizenship highlights the complex realities faced by immigrants navigating the legal system. The California congressman expressed frustration over the apparent disregard for due process among deportees, stating, “It’s infuriating that more U.S.-born citizens aren’t outraged by the removal of due process for immigrants.”

Concerns Over Current Government Policies

During their trip, Garcia and fellow representatives met with human rights activists who voice apprehensions about U.S. practices resembling those of El Salvador’s current regime, which has seen significant civil rights undercuts in the name of combating crime. Recent reports indicate that deported individuals, including Romero, may not have criminal backgrounds or connections to gangs, raising questions about the legitimacy of these deportations.

Call for Continued Advocacy

Despite the challenges, Garcia commends fellow legislators for their involvement and encourages further outreach, suggesting that direct engagements with issues like deportation are essential to push for change. “We cannot just move on to the next horrible thing,” Garcia asserted, advocating for activism and awareness around these human rights issues.