The latest stunt in the grand theater that is Democratic politics involves a trip to El Salvador by four House Democrats. Their mission? To demand the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an accused MS-13 member. One might wonder what exactly possessed these politicians to head down to a foreign country to champion the cause of someone linked to one of the most notorious gangs. It seems their new hero is a man who allegedly not only entered the country illegally but also has a swirl of crime-related accusations around him. The Democrats, with all their wisdom, have chosen Garcia as their poster boy for due process. If nothing else, this choice is certainly raising eyebrows.
The Democrats in question are making calls to the White House, asserting that without due process for Garcia, due process is at risk for everyone. Apparently, this is a hill they’re willing to climb, claiming they are fighting for the future of democracy itself. It’s baffling to many how they’re equating the future of democracy with the fate of an accused gang member with allegations of spousal abuse hanging over his head. One would think there might be a more sympathetic figure to rally behind, but perhaps they enjoy the challenge of defending the indefensible.
Critics, including a former State Attorney General, are flabbergasted by this move. It’s baffling to watch Democrats venture into a foreign country to advocate for someone accused of being part of a criminal organization infamous for violence and intimidation. Critics argue that Democrats are entirely out of touch with the average American and display more empathy for alleged criminals than for the victims of their crimes or communities struggling with mass migration. Their actions seem to reflect a worldview where national borders are mere suggestions and where everyone has a right to stay, regardless of the legalities involved.
Meanwhile, Senator Chris Van Hollen and others claim their visit isn’t about vouching for Garcia’s character but rather ensuring his constitutional rights to due process are honored. Optimistically, they might believe that by advocating for due process in extreme cases, they are preserving American values. Cynics, however, see this as more political posturing, a desperate attempt to galvanize support against an admittedly increasing tide of criticism towards current immigration policies.
On the legal front, the debate rages on about the application of the Alien Enemies Act for deportation purposes, a tool the Trump administration has sought to utilize. The Supreme Court recently issued a decision halting its use temporarily, a move that has frustrated some conservatives who see this as yet another obstruction in effective immigration management. With more than a million illegal immigrants and significant numbers with criminal ties, there’s a push for a more expedited and rigorous application of existing laws. The Democrats’ stance on Garcia provides fodder for this ongoing debate, highlighting the stark contrast between the two parties on immigration and border control. As the drama unfolds, one can’t help but wonder if the Democrats really believe this is the ticket to political victory, or if their GPS just malfunctioned on the way to common sense.