Jeffries Dodges Question on Controversial El Salvador Visits

Clear Facts

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided answering whether he supports Democrats traveling to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a suspected MS-13 gang member.
• Jeffries denied reports that he privately discouraged Democrats from making these trips, calling such claims “a complete and total fabrication.”
• Democratic visits to El Salvador have sparked controversy, particularly after Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s trip and subsequent criticism over photos with Garcia.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently sidestepped a direct question regarding his stance on whether Democrats should travel to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia, a suspected MS-13 gang member, was deported by the Trump administration in March, and his case has since become a point of contention.

Reports have circulated suggesting that Jeffries is privately advising Democrats against visiting El Salvador to check on Garcia. However, other sources counter this claim, indicating it is “very much not the case.”

During a weekly press conference, a reporter pressed Jeffries for a clear answer on the matter, asking, “Mr. Leader, can you just clarify your position with a simple yes or no, do you support your members going to El Salvador, particularly in terms of the situation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia?”

Jeffries responded ambiguously, saying, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” He further dismissed the notion of any private discouragement, labeling such reports as “a complete and total fabrication.”

Despite multiple inquiries, Jeffries’ office has not clarified his position on whether Democrats should continue these trips. The controversy surrounding Garcia’s deportation stems from an administrative error by the Trump administration, which Democrats and the media have highlighted.

Nonetheless, evidence has emerged suggesting Garcia’s involvement with MS-13, including allegations of domestic abuse and potential human trafficking. Despite these concerns, Democratic Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador in April, drawing criticism for photos showing him with Garcia.

Following Van Hollen’s visit, a group of House Democrats also traveled to El Salvador, staying in a luxury hotel. Their attempt to meet Garcia was unsuccessful as Salvadoran authorities denied their request.

When asked about the appropriateness of such trips, House Democrats have largely avoided direct answers. However, Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar was more forthright, offering a blunt response to a reporter.

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