The recent visit of Senator Chris Van Hollen to El Salvador, where he met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported migrant at the center of a high-profile immigration controversy, has resulted in Senator Van Hollen confronting criticism from the families of crime victims, known as Angel Moms.
Van Hollen’s travel was intended to assist in the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States. This action has caused dissatisfaction among Maryland families who contend that the senator has failed to address the needs of those affected by violent offenses involving undocumented immigrants in their own communities.
In 2022, a known MS-13 gang member in Maryland murdered Tammy Nobles’ 20-year-old daughter, Kayla Hamilton. Nobles conveyed her frustration that Van Hollen failed to contact her family. She criticized the political attention that is directed toward other issues, which she perceived as a lack of attention to the families of the victims.
The senator’s actions were also condemned by Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, who was murdered in 2023. Morin stated that her family had not received any acknowledgement or support from the senator’s office.
Abrego Garcia continues to be held in a high-security penitentiary in El Salvador as a result of his deportation. Critics contend that elected officials should prioritize the needs of their constituents and provide support to the families of victims before intervening in international immigration cases, despite the fact that some lawmakers argue for his return on legal grounds.
The ongoing discussions regarding public safety, immigration enforcement, and the manner in which legislators interact with their constituents have been further exacerbated by the backlash.