U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (D-MD) was denied access to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man allegedly wrongfully deported from the United States, during a visit to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison on Monday. The Democrat congressman traveled to the facility to see Abrego Garcia, who is being held under accusations of gang affiliation, but was turned away at the gate despite submitting a formal request beforehand.
Ivey, in a video filmed outside the prison, criticized the lack of transparency: “If there is nothing to hide, cut the crap.” According to the congressman, Salvadoran authorities said he needed a permit despite prior coordination with the Salvadoran ambassador in Washington.
Abrego Garcia’s controversial case stems from an acknowledged administrative error by the U.S. government, leading to his deportation despite having a valid protective status granted in 2019. The Biden administration has not intervened, and the Salvadoran government has refused to return him, deepening diplomatic tensions.
The White House continues to claim, without presenting verified evidence, that Abrego Garcia is linked to the MS-13 gang, designated a foreign terrorist organization. His legal team disputes this, stating he fled gang violence at age 16 and has no criminal record in the U.S.
In contrast, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) previously met Abrego Garcia in April, but under questionable circumstances. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele publicized the meeting with staged photos of the two drinking margaritas in a hotel, seemingly aimed at softening the perception of prison conditions.
El Salvador’s government has not commented on Ivey’s denied visit, fueling further criticism over its handling of the high-profile case. The situation highlights growing concerns over due process violations, immigration policy, and human rights in U.S.-El Salvador relations.