Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) is under increasing scrutiny for what critics are calling a clear double standard in his response to two high-profile cases involving illegal immigrants from El Salvador—one deported, the other convicted of a brutal murder in his own state.
On Monday, Van Hollen publicly announced that he had requested a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to demand the release and return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident currently detained in El Salvador’s high-security Terrorism Confinement Center.
The senator also said he may travel to El Salvador himself if the matter is not resolved by midweek.
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“Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia never should have been abducted and illegally deported, and the courts have made clear: the Administration must bring him home, now,” Van Hollen said in a statement.
“However, since the Trump Administration appears to be ignoring these court mandates, we need to take additional action.”
“That’s why I’ve requested to meet with President Bukele during his trip to the United States, and – if Kilmar is not home by midweek – I plan to travel to El Salvador this week to check on his condition and discuss his release,” he added.
NEWS: Sen. Chris Van Hollen requested a meeting w/Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele this week to talk about MD father Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return.
“If Kilmar is not home by midweek – I plan to travel to El Salvador this week to check on his condition and discuss his release.” pic.twitter.com/ykYhj83pKZ
— Mikenzie Frost (@MikenzieFrost) April 14, 2025
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I’ve been clear: if President Bukele doesn’t want to meet here in D.C., then I intend to go to El Salvador this week to check on Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s condition and discuss his release.
Kilmar was illegally ABDUCTED and deported by the Trump Admin. He must be brought home NOW. pic.twitter.com/Hunr6F31J3
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 15, 2025
According to court documents, Abrego Garcia had been living in Maryland under protected status since 2019.
In March, ICE agents detained and deported him despite a ruling from a federal judge that temporarily blocked the removal.
That ruling was later reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld that the executive branch cannot be compelled to engage in specific foreign policy actions.
As a result, Abrego Garcia remains detained in El Salvador, and President Bukele has shown no intention of returning him.
As Van Hollen pushes aggressively for Abrego Garcia’s return, many Maryland residents have raised questions about his response to the case of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five who was raped and murdered in Harford County, Maryland, in August 2023.
Morin’s body was found in a drainage culvert near the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail, where she had gone for a run. Investigators later identified Victor Martinez-Hernandez—a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from El Salvador—as the suspect.
He had crossed the U.S. border illegally in 2023 and was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and surveillance footage.
Martinez-Hernandez was convicted on Monday of first-degree murder, rape, and kidnapping.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the verdict. His conviction coincided with the same day Van Hollen declared his intent to travel to El Salvador for Abrego Garcia.
Following Martinez-Hernandez’s arrest, Van Hollen issued a brief statement that read, “My heart breaks for the Morin family.”
He added that “they deserve action” and blamed the lack of immigration reform on Republicans.
Critics have noted the contrast in tone and urgency between Van Hollen’s handling of both cases.
While he has taken public and diplomatic steps for Abrego Garcia, his involvement in the Morin case was limited to a single written statement with no follow-up legislative or diplomatic action.
Hey @ChrisVanHollen,
Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother, was actually your constituent and she was murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member.
Now, you’re now fighting to return one to the United States. https://t.co/s4ttLlwu6y pic.twitter.com/5rSdh25MGi
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 14, 2025
President Bukele was just in the United States for meetings with members of the Trump administration focused on regional security and transnational gang enforcement.
JUST IN: President Trump has multiple members of his admin take turns ripping CNN’s Kaitlan Collins after she asked why an alleged MS-13 member was deported to El Salvador.
Lmao.
Pam Bondi, Stephen Miller, Marco Rubio, as well as Nayib Bukele all ripped the media after Collins… pic.twitter.com/R7Y2ZOSt37
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 14, 2025
It is not yet clear whether Van Hollen will be granted a meeting with the Salvadoran president or follow through on his pledge to travel to El Salvador.
If Maryland Senator @ChrisVanHollen goes to El Salvador & tries to get them to release Kilmar Abrego Garcia, he should be immediately arrested upon returning to the United States & tried for treason for attempting to bring an illegal alien & MS-13 gang member back to the U.S. pic.twitter.com/VfsIewPA9V
— Kylie Jane Kremer (@KylieJaneKremer) April 14, 2025
For now, the contrasting responses continue to draw criticism from constituents and observers who see a gap between Van Hollen’s stated priorities and his actual advocacy.
The cases of Abrego Garcia and Rachel Morin remain linked in the public conversation, highlighting broader debates on immigration, foreign policy, and public safety.
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