A prominent Texas Democrat, Representative Henry Cuellar, has publicly voiced his disagreement with elements within his own party regarding their approach to immigration policy. He specifically criticized the focus on due process in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old man deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador.
“This isn’t the appropriate time or issue to emphasize due process,” Cuellar stated during an interview with Fox News Radio. “This isn’t the right situation, and it certainly isn’t the correct individual to champion as evidence of our need to reinstate him in the United States.”
Abrego Garcia was deported in March and is currently incarcerated in El Salvador. The Trump administration claims he has ties to MS-13, a violent criminal gang, and released court documents related to a protective order filed by his wife as evidence of this alleged affiliation. Some Democratic lawmakers are advocating for his return, citing concerns about denied due process.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Abrego Garcia’s wife, recently issued a statement explaining her initial actions:
“Following a disagreement with Kilmar, I acted out of caution after surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship by seeking a civil protective order. Things did not escalate, and we resolved the matter privately as a family, including through counseling.”
Cuellar argues that using Abrego Garcia’s case to represent broader immigration advocacy is detrimental to Democratic credibility with voters.
He further contends, “Democrats shouldn’t be prioritizing this issue. Is this truly the immigration case you wish to champion? In my assessment, absolutely not.”
The situation has sparked a wider challenge to the Trump administration’s deportation policies, including charter flights returning suspected criminal immigrants to Central America. Several Democratic legislators have traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Abrego Garcia’s release and are demanding regular confirmation of his well-being.
Abrego Garcia initially entered the U.S. illegally but later attempted to secure legal protected status while residing in Maryland. His subsequent deportation in 2015 was initially attributed to an administrative error, although former Trump officials maintain it was justified due to alleged gang affiliations.
Cuellar, representing a South Texas district with a significant Latino population, reports hearing growing dissatisfaction from his constituents regarding the perceived inconsistencies and unfairness of the immigration system. He highlighted their perspective:
- “Our parents entered legally, becoming legal residents.”
- “They came here and followed the proper procedures.”
He added, “When you see people entering without knowledge or accountability, that’s a problem.”
Cuellar also expressed support for certain border security measures implemented during the Trump administration. He dismissed previous Democratic assertions about a secure border, stating, “It was preposterous when they claimed the border was secured.”
While acknowledging the right of his colleagues to their opinions, Cuellar questioned the overall Democratic strategy on immigration and conceded that some Trump-era policies had demonstrable effects.
“The president has successfully engaged Mexico more actively. If we can encourage them to fortify their own borders instead of solely relying on ours—our ‘1-yard line’—the situation will improve,” he said.
Legal challenges to the Trump administration’s immigration agenda continue, with the Supreme Court scheduled to hear a case in May concerning federal judges who blocked an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
