Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, has voiced a strong stance regarding foreign governments, asserting that the Democratic Party would not tolerate nations involved in bolstering authoritarian regimes within the United States. This position emerged during a discussion on “Pod Save America” concerning Kilmar Abrego Garcia and the actions of the previous Trump administration’s deportation practices.
As reported by Tommy Vietor on the podcast, Raskin was referencing advice offered by a Latin American policy specialist who advocated for Democrats to leverage potential consequences – specifically the withholding of aid – against any government engaged in “extraordinary rendition” of American citizens. Vietor relayed that this expert proposed a strategy of public warning, effectively establishing a record of accountability within the Democratic Party.
“Indeed,” Raskin stated, “we must immediately consider cutting off assistance to El Salvador.” He challenged the notion that El Salvador President Nayib Bukele lacked influence in returning an American prisoner who had been transferred under a $6 million agreement facilitated by the U.S., characterizing the arrangement as “dubious” and highlighting Bukele’s role as America’s legal representative.
“This aligns with our objective,” Raskin continued, “which is to significantly increase transnational democratic solidarity – supporting democratic governments, movements, and parties globally – to combat the spread of lawlessness and fascist disruption currently impacting us.”
“Crucially, this approach necessitates a clear message: should we regain power—and we will—we will not favorably view those who have facilitated authoritarianism within our borders. This represents an attack on our Constitution and our citizenry,” Raskin emphasized.
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Maryland resident deported to El Salvador’s “Terrorism Confinement Center” (CECOT) last month, underscored these concerns. While Trump administration officials initially acknowledged the deportation as an error and later claimed Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang – a claim his legal team vehemently denies – he has recently been moved from the megaprison to a detention facility.
Responding to this situation, a group of four Democratic lawmakers – Representatives Robert Garcia of California, Maxwell Frost of Florida, Yassamin Ansari of Arizona, and Maxine Dexter of Oregon – traveled to El Salvador on Monday. Their purpose was to exert pressure on the Trump Administration to honor a Supreme Court order demanding the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom they described as “a Maryland man with protected legal status who was unlawfully deported by the Trump Administration.”
Following this visit, Senator Chris Van Hollen, also from Maryland, had previously traveled to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia.
