Van Hollen and Noem Clash Over Supreme Court Order on Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Supreme Court Order and DHS Compliance

• 🏛️ Senator Van Hollen questioned Secretary Noem about DHS's actions to comply with a 9-0 Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
• ❓ Noem stated the administration is following all federal court orders, but Van Hollen pressed for a direct answer on whether DHS is taking action to facilitate the return.
• 🗣️ Noem accused Van Hollen of advocating for a known human smuggler and not a US citizen, stating he is from El Salvador and is home.

Due Process and Legal Arguments

• ⚖️ Van Hollen countered that immigration courts and federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have ruled in favor of Garcia, citing a 2019 immigration court decision that returning him to El Salvador would endanger his life.
• 📄 He highlighted that the Trump administration did not appeal this decision, and Garcia subsequently obtained a work permit and worked legally in the U.S.
• 🚫 Van Hollen stated that a federal district court found no evidence linking Garcia to MS-13 or any terrorist activity, urging Noem to make such claims in court under oath.

Political Rhetoric vs. Legal Questions

• 🎤 Van Hollen accused Noem of engaging in political rhetoric rather than answering legal questions about due process.
• 📜 He referenced Justice Scalia's opinion in Reno v. Flores, affirming that aliens are entitled to due process in deportation proceedings.
• 🛠️ Noem responded that they are utilizing every due process tool afforded by Congress, including expedited removal.

US-El Salvador Relations and SECOT

• 🤝 Van Hollen inquired about the SECOT program and payments made to El Salvador by the Trump administration to detain individuals, including those whose due process rights were violated.
• 📄 Noem confirmed she had seen the grant document between the US and El Salvador regarding SECOT.
• ✉️ Van Hollen mentioned a letter he sent with colleagues requesting this document and asked for a timeline for a response, to which Noem stated she would look into it.