Cuellar Criticizes Democrats Over Defense of Deported MS-13 Member

Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, has strongly criticized his party for rallying around Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported illegal immigrant alleged to have MS-13 gang affiliations, arguing that this is not the right case to champion due process or immigration reform. Cuellar contends that defending Abrego Garcia, who is being held in an El Salvador prison, undermines the Democratic Party’s credibility with voters, especially in Hispanic communities that value lawful immigration. Despite a Supreme Court order to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return, Cuellar believes Democrats should focus on more appropriate cases to highlight immigration issues, warning that this particular case could backfire politically. Other Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, have advocated for Abrego Garcia’s return, citing concerns over due process and administrative errors in his deportation. The controversy reflects deeper partisan divides on immigration, with Democrats more likely to support immigrants when representing diverse constituencies, while Republicans pursue stricter policies driven by their most conservative members. The debate underscores ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over how to approach high-profile immigration cases and broader border security policies.