Senator Van Hollen Addresses ‘Margarita-Gate’ Following El Salvador Trip
Senator Chris Van Hollen debunked the margarita photo incident following his El Salvador trip, clarifying that neither he nor Kilmar Abrego Garcia consumed the staged drinks. He criticized the photo-op as a diversion tactic by President Bukele and the Trump administration amidst a constitutional crisis. Van Hollen affirmed his commitment to due process for immigrants and voiced opposition to U.S. funding for Garcia’s detention.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, addressed the media on his recent trip to El Salvador, responding to the viral controversy known as “margarita-gate.” This uproar originated from a photo shared by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, which appeared to show the senator and deported immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia seated at a table with margaritas. Van Hollen refuted the claims, stating, “Neither of us touched the drinks that were in front of us.”
The senator clarified that the drinks were orchestrated for a staged photo opportunity, as earlier footage of the same table showed it without beverages. He accused both President Bukele and the Trump administration of attempting to divert attention from a constitutional crisis in El Salvador. Van Hollen remarked, “This is a lesson into the lengths that President Bukele will do to deceive people.”
The controversy is linked to Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran who was recently deported from Maryland. Federal officials described the deportation as an “administrative error,” while Van Hollen asserted it violated Garcia’s rights to due process. The Trump administration defended the actions due to allegations of domestic violence and gang affiliations against Garcia.
A Homeland Security report flagged Garcia as a possible member of the gang MS-13 and as a suspected human trafficker. However, Van Hollen contested these claims, stressing that no substantial evidence had been provided in court. He pointed out that federal courts have ordered Garcia’s return, stating, “the Trump administration is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process.”
During his trip, Van Hollen faced initial obstruction from Salvadoran officials, who later coordinated a meeting after press intervention. He expressed concern over the $15 million U.S. investment in El Salvador’s detention operations, which he deemed unauthorized, declaring his intent to block such funding in the future. “I won’t support the use of one penny of taxpayer dollars to keep Abrego Garcia illegally detained in El Salvador,” he asserted.
Critics, including Republicans, questioned Van Hollen’s motivations for advocating for Garcia while neglecting other victims affected by crime. The White House utilized the controversy to highlight their differences, presenting photographs contrasting Van Hollen’s visit with Trump meeting the family of a Maryland murder victim. Van Hollen expressed sympathy for the victim’s family but defended his actions by emphasizing the importance of lawful due process, stating, “The reason we have courts of law is to punish the guilty…”
In summary, Senator Chris Van Hollen confronted the backlash from the margarita photo incident during his trip to El Salvador. He firmly denied drinking from the staged drinks while addressing allegations regarding deported immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen emphasized the need for due process and criticized the Trump administration’s handling of Garcia’s case, further pledging to oppose federal funding for his detention. This incident has ignited a broader debate regarding immigration policies and the treatment of undocumented immigrants.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
