After Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents abducted Kilmar Abrego Garcia, he was illegally deported to an infamous mega-prison in El Salvador — the same country he fled as a teenager because of gang violence.
Despite a unanimous Supreme Court order that Abrego Garcia be returned, the Trump administration has refused to act. Instead, they’re stonewalling and causing more harm: His wife and three kids have been forced into a safe house after U.S. officials posted their home address on social media.
Experiences like this are becoming horrifyingly commonplace, but cracks in a horrible deportation machine are showing. Trump's immigration approval rating sank 10 points this month. ICE buses filled with people to be deported have turned around. Senator Chris Van Hollen went to El Salvador himself to push for Abrego Garcia’s safe return. After being denied access at CECOT, the notorious mega-prison, he was able to speak with him and confirm that he is still alive.
Over the past few days, more members of Congress have met with detainees and political prisoners to amplify their stories and fight for everyone’s rights. It’s critically needed leadership, but it wouldn’t have happened without activists like you pushing for it, so let’s keep going.
Gratitude can make a HUGE difference in moments like this. A thank you signals you’re doing the right thing. It builds encouragement to do it again. It’s also a uniquely hot commodity — like all humans, when one lawmaker sees another get praise, they want in. If we want to see more actions like Sen. Van Hollen’s, he and other members taking brave action need to hear from you today.