Rep. Scott Fitzgerald Criticizes Democrats' Support for Salvadoran Immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Return to U.S.
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald criticized Democratic lawmakers for celebrating the return of Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S., as it may result in a longer incarceration for him. Abrego Garcia is facing federal criminal charges for transporting illegal migrants within the U.S. The Department of Justice decided to bring him back to the United States after deporting him to El Salvador. Despite this, some Democrats, like Sen. Chris Van Hollen, welcomed Abrego Garcia's return, prompting Fitzgerald to express his disapproval on Fox Business's Mornings with Maria Bartiromo.
During his time in El Salvador, Abrego Garcia was held in the country's terrorism confinement center, CECOT, before being moved to an undisclosed location following attempts by Democratic members of Congress to meet with him. Van Hollen defended his push for Abrego Garcia's return, emphasizing that it was about upholding his constitutional rights and the rights of all individuals. Democratic lawmakers have refuted claims of Abrego Garcia's gang affiliation, despite his arrest in 2019 alongside two confirmed MS-13 members and the presence of gang-related tattoos on his hand.
Court records reveal that Abrego Garcia was stopped by police in Tennessee in 2022 during a traffic incident where human smuggling was suspected. Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested that there is additional evidence linking Abrego Garcia to an alien smuggling ring. This marks Abrego Garcia's first criminal charge in the U.S. ICE officials confirmed that the immigrants deported with him were removed under Code Title 8, allowing for the swift removal of certain migrants who enter the country illegally. They were also deported under the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798 that permits the immediate removal of migrants from invading countries during times of war.
Fitzgerald criticized the Democrats for their handling of the situation, highlighting that Abrego Garcia's return could lead to a lengthier incarceration. He emphasized the need for Abrego Garcia to serve his time and be deported again once his sentence is completed. The controversy surrounding Abrego Garcia's case and the differing perspectives on his legal status and affiliations could have lasting implications for the Democratic Party.