Senator Chris Van Hollen is facing accusations of violating the Logan Act after his recent trip to El Salvador to lobby for the release of MS-13-linked illegal alien Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
The U.S. law from 1799 is aimed at preventing unauthorized foreign negotiations.
Prior to Abrego Garcia’s deportation, courts ruled there was “sufficient” evidence he was linked to the violent gang MS-13.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of Abrego Garcia’s gang ties, Democrats have attempted to paint him as an innocent Maryland father of three.
However, they failed to mention his dubious past, which includes domestic violence allegations from his wife.
On Monday, Van Hollen said:
“Kilmar Abrego Garcia never should have been abducted and illegally deported, and the courts have made clear: the Administration must bring him home, now.”
“However, since the Trump Administration appears to be ignoring these court mandates, we need to take additional action.”
“That’s why I’ve requested to meet with President Bukele during his trip to the United States, and — if Kilmar is not home by midweek — I plan to travel to El Salvador this week to check on his condition and discuss his release.”
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and border czar Tom Homan slammed Van Hollen’s actions, calling them inappropriate.
Political consultant Roger Stone also noted that Van Hollen’s actions could result in prosecution under the Logan Act.
The law, established under President John Adams, seeks to maintain U.S. government cohesion in foreign affairs by prohibiting unauthorized negotiations.
However, in over 200 years, only two prosecutions have been brought under the act—neither of which resulted in a conviction.
Last week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling stating the government must “facilitate” but not necessarily “effectuate” Garcia’s return amid a legal battle.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller dismissed claims that Garcia was deported by mistake, adding that the withholding order the suspect received six years ago is no longer valid because he is designated MS-13, a foreign terror organization.
Bukele told President Donald Trump that he would not send Garcia back.
“How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States?” Bukele said to reporters, adding, “I don’t have the power to return him.”
Please visit The Daily Fetched for more stories like this.
