Devastating Plaque Installed on Van Hollen's Senate Office After His Trip to El Salvador

After Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen took a widely publicized trip to El Salvador to visit an undocumented immigrant deported under the Trump administration, Republicans quickly responded—making clear who they believe Van Hollen truly prioritizes.

As many following the case already know, Van Hollen traveled to Central America to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia had been deported to El Salvador—specifically to the high-security CECOT prison—despite a court ruling stating that while he was eligible for removal, he shouldn’t be returned to El Salvador due to his claim of facing “credible fear” of retaliation from local gangs.

The federal government, however, asserts that Abrego Garcia is affiliated with MS-13, a violent criminal group officially classified as a terrorist organization. According to this argument, his alleged gang membership nullifies any legal protections that would normally prevent deportation—even though, as court documents reveal, the original deportation may have resulted from an “administrative oversight.”

While the Supreme Court has directed the federal government to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S., White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the final decision lies with El Salvador. She emphasized that it is the administration’s job “to facilitate the return, not to effectuate the return.”

Into this legal and political firestorm stepped Sen. Van Hollen, who—unless you live in Maryland, follow politics closely, or are personally connected to him—might not have been on your radar before. Known for seeking media attention, Van Hollen vowed to head to El Salvador and insisted he wouldn’t rest until he’d met with the man the media has described as a “Maryland father,” despite allegations of gang involvement and domestic abuse.

Their meeting reportedly took place at what some have jokingly likened to a Salvadoran Olive Garden.

Once Van Hollen's trip drew the national attention he likely anticipated, GOP Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia seized the opportunity to critique the Maryland senator’s priorities. Collins went as far as to replace Van Hollen’s nameplate with one reading “Senator from El Salvador,” a not-so-subtle jab after previously labeling him “traitorous” for visiting an alleged MS-13 member.

Was the nameplate prank immature? Not necessarily, considering the context. When asked on CNN whether he had verified that Abrego Garcia wasn’t part of MS-13—or even asked him about it—Van Hollen sidestepped the question, responding that “what Donald Trump is trying to do here is change the subject.”

Also worth noting: this international visit was reportedly funded by taxpayers.

Rather than using public funds to meet with the Marylanders he represents, Van Hollen spent them on a trip to advocate for someone deported under suspicion of gang affiliation. If he wanted to challenge the court decision, critics argue, he should have done so from Washington—not El Salvador.

El Salvador doesn’t have a U.S. senator. Maryland does. And right now, it seems clear which “constituency” Van Hollen is being accused of choosing—hence Rep. Collins’ pointed gesture.