Staff Reports
Senator Chris Van Hollen’s recent trip to El Salvador is a glaring example of the misplaced priorities that have plagued Washington’s political class. Instead of standing with the victims of illegal immigration in his state, Van Hollen chose to fly thousands of miles to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported after being linked to gang activity and residing in the U.S. unlawfully. While Van Hollen claims this trip was about constitutional rights, the reality is that it sends a message to law-abiding Marylanders that their safety and concerns take a back seat to the interests of those who broke our laws to enter this country.
This tone-deaf political theater is especially painful for families like that of Patty Morin, an “angel mom” whose daughter Rachel was brutally murdered by an illegal alien from El Salvador. Patty Morin has publicly criticized Van Hollen for never reaching out to her, despite the unimaginable loss her family suffered. Instead, Van Hollen’s attention and taxpayer-funded resources are directed toward individuals with questionable backgrounds, rather than comforting the families of American victims or working to prevent such tragedies in the first place.
The senator’s office has remained silent on the cost of this international excursion, dodging questions about who paid for the trip and how many staffers accompanied him. While Maryland families struggle and grieve, their tax dollars are potentially being funneled into foreign adventures that do nothing to address the crime and insecurity wrought by open border policies. This lack of transparency is unacceptable and only deepens the sense of betrayal felt by constituents who expect their elected officials to put Americans first.
Even more outrageous is the ongoing debate in Washington about providing compensation and benefits to illegal immigrants, while families like the Morins receive little to no government support after their lives are shattered by criminal aliens. Proposals to divert millions in taxpayer funds to those who have flouted our laws are not only misguided—they are an affront to every law-abiding citizen. True compassion means upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice and support go to American victims, not to those who have repeatedly shown disregard for our nation’s sovereignty.
Ultimately, the distinction between legal and illegal immigration matters. Leaders who blur these lines do a disservice to the millions who follow the rules and seek the American dream the right way. Dreamers may deserve a path, but those who commit crimes or repeatedly violate our laws should be deported, not rewarded. Anything less is a reckless disregard for the safety and dignity of American families, and voters should demand better from those who claim to represent them.
