House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has publicly denied reports suggesting he discouraged fellow Democrats from traveling to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported under the Trump administration and currently detained in a Salvadoran prison.
Recent reports, including one from *The Bulwark*, cited anonymous Democratic aides and a lawmaker claiming that Jeffries privately advised colleagues to “slow down” on trips to El Salvador, indicating a desire to reduce the political focus on the issue. These reports suggested internal tensions within the Democratic Party regarding the optics of supporting an individual accused of MS-13 gang affiliations.
In response, Jeffries’s spokesperson, Christie Stephenson, dismissed the claims as “patently false” and “thinly sourced innuendo.” She emphasized that Jeffries has consistently advocated for robust opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, stating, “When Leader Jeffries says ‘more is more’ pushback on this lawless administration, he means it.” Stephenson reaffirmed that House Democrats remain committed to fighting for Abrego Garcia’s release, said reports.
The controversy centers on Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 court order barring his removal due to credible fears of violence. While federal authorities allege his affiliation with MS-13 and involvement in criminal activities, his family and supporters deny these claims. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), as well as Representatives Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), and Maxine Dexter (D-OR), have traveled to El Salvador to advocate for his return.
The trips have sparked debate within the Democratic Party. Progressive members view the advocacy as a stand against what they perceive as unconstitutional deportations, while moderates express concern over the political ramifications of supporting an individual with alleged gang ties.
As the party navigates these internal divisions, Jeffries’s public stance underscores a commitment to challenging the Trump administration’s immigration actions, even as reports suggest a more cautious approach behind the scenes.