(TJV NEWS) A group of House Democrats is facing mounting criticism following their controversial trip to El Salvador, where they met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an imprisoned MS-13 gang member and convicted criminal. Representatives Robert Garcia of California, Maxwell Frost of Florida, Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, and Maxine Dexter of Oregon released a joint press statement on Monday announcing their arrival in the Central American country to demand that the U.S. government—specifically the Trump administration—comply with a Supreme Court ruling allegedly requiring the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States Gateway Pundit pointed out.

Four more U.S. lawmakers just landed in El Salvador to meet and shake hands with a terrorist. ⁰⁰All four of them voted against the Laken Riley Act. ⁰⁰Why are these politicians putting terrorists illegally in our country over American victims? https://t.co/n4qj1pRUJC

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 21, 2025

The lawmakers described Abrego Garcia as a “Maryland man with protected legal status who was unlawfully deported,” and claimed his incarceration was a “direct violation of due process” under the U.S. Constitution.

Their visit comes just days after Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) made headlines for his own attempt to meet with Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen was rebuffed by Salvadoran officials multiple times—first by the country’s vice president and then again when he was denied access to the notorious CECOT mega-prison, where Garcia is being held. Eventually, Van Hollen managed to meet with the inmate, reportedly over drinks, prompting criticism over the optics and priorities of such an encounter. The ongoing interest by prominent Democrats in Abrego Garcia—a known MS-13 figure with a violent past—has alarmed critics who argue that such advocacy ignores the safety of American citizens and undermines efforts to combat gang violence.

The Trump-era Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reacted strongly to the Democrats’ trip, posting a scathing statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Four more U.S. lawmakers just landed in El Salvador to meet and shake hands with a terrorist,” the DHS wrote. “All four of them voted against the Laken Riley Act.” The statement referenced recent legislation aimed at protecting Americans from violent criminal aliens and questioned why elected officials would prioritize the welfare of a known gang member over that of American victims. “Why are these politicians putting terrorists illegally in our country over American victims?” the post asked, echoing growing sentiment among conservative voters.

Adding to the backlash, Gateway Pundit noted that while Senator Van Hollen’s travel to El Salvador was taxpayer-funded, the four House Democrats’ trip was not—thanks to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who intervened to ensure that public funds were not used for what many are calling a “political stunt.”

The incident has fueled a larger debate about immigration, national security, and the priorities of elected officials, with critics arguing that support for individuals like Abrego Garcia undermines public trust and sends a dangerous message about the U.S. government’s stance on violent crime and border enforcement.