Van Hollen Challenges Rubio on Deportation Policies in Senate Hearing

Senator Chris Van Hollen confronted Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, criticizing his handling of deportations and relations with El Salvador. Van Hollen highlighted the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Rubio’s connections with President Nayib Bukele. The exchange became contentious, leading to a comparison with McCarthy-era practices, as Van Hollen questioned Rubio’s decency and regretted his past support for Rubio’s appointment.

In a heated exchange on Wednesday, Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, sharply criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This marked Rubio’s first return to the committee since being confirmed as secretary, and the reunion was anything but cordial. Senator Van Hollen pressed Rubio on the administration’s deportation policies and recent controversies surrounding the treatment of migrants from El Salvador.

Senator Van Hollen’s criticism was particularly directed at the State Department’s budget cuts and its foreign policy strategies. He took issue with Rubio’s relationship with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, especially following the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant incorrectly sent back to El Salvador after living in Maryland. Van Hollen accused the Trump administration of failing to assist in Garcia’s return.

Rubio defended his actions, insisting that deportations included known threats such as gang members, referencing Van Hollen’s past meeting with Abrego Garcia. Despite the Secretary’s attempts to justify his stance, Van Hollen challenged him on the accuracy of those claims, stating that Rubio’s statements lacked evidence to the extent necessary for federal judicial scrutiny.

As tensions escalated, Van Hollen insisted that Rubio should not make unfounded accusations and should bring those claims to court if he believed they were true. In response, Rubio asserted that no judge could dictate U.S. foreign policy or how he interacts with international leaders, emphasizing the confidentiality inherent in diplomatic relations.

The heated dialogue prompted intervention from Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, who sought to restore order as Van Hollen drew a parallel between contemporary deportation practices and the infamous McCarthy-era witch hunts. He argued that the current approach risks undermining core democratic values, pointing to a perceived environment of fear and repression.

“Have you no sense of decency?” Van Hollen concluded, mirroring sentiments that historically called out injustices. His criticism culminated in an expression of regret regarding his prior support for Rubio’s appointment, emphasizing a profound disappointment on both personal and political levels.

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions regarding immigration policy and the intricacies of diplomatic engagement, reflecting broader concerns over human rights and the treatment of migrants in the current political climate.

The fiery remarks exchanged between Senator Van Hollen and Secretary Rubio underscore significant disputes surrounding U.S. immigration policy, particularly in relation to El Salvador. Van Hollen’s pointed questions about Rubio’s associations and actions reveal deep concerns over the ethical implications of current policy directions. Their confrontation showcases a critical moment in the discussion about the future of U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, indicating clear fractures between party lines and perspectives on foreign relations.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com