Van Hollen Critiques Rubio on Deportations at Senate Hearing

Senator Chris Van Hollen challenged Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, criticizing his ties to El Salvador and the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The heated exchange highlighted disagreements over the administration’s policies and practices, culminating in Van Hollen quoting historic calls for decency in governance to express his disapproval of Rubio’s actions.

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland didn’t hold back during a heated exchange with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. This was Rubio’s first appearance before his former Senate colleagues since being confirmed. Instead of a warm welcome, he faced scrutiny over the administration’s budget priorities, State Department reorganization, and a range of pressing foreign policy issues including deportations and Middle East policy.

Much of the discussion revolved around the controversial situation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant wrongfully deported to El Salvador after living in Maryland. Van Hollen criticized Rubio for his friendly ties with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, highlighting how Garcia’s deportation was mishandled by the previous administration. It was quite a moment when Van Hollen pressed Rubio regarding his connection to Garcia, suggesting that Rubio was too cozy with individuals like the migrant’s deportee.

Rubio responded defiantly, identifying Abrego Garcia as a “gang member” and “human trafficker”. “In the case of El Salvador, absolutely, we deported gang members,” Rubio insisted, referring to a past meeting between the two in El Salvador. He also fired back at Van Hollen’s claims, saying they were unfounded, which only stoked the flames of debate further. Van Hollen shot back that if Rubio had evidence, he should present it under oath in a court of law.

Things heated up as the conversation veered into accusations about the integrity of the testimony. Van Hollen objected swiftly, telling Rubio he couldn’t claim anything without hard proof. Rubio then pivoted to defend his actions by emphasizing the independence of the executive branch and the conduct of foreign policy. He insisted that judges don’t dictate how diplomacy unfolds, reiterating that there is no requirement to disclose every international meeting or conversation.

Van Hollen didn’t take Rubio’s words lightly, dismissing his justifications. “You’re just blowing smoke now,” he replied sharply. As the tension escalated, Senate Committee Chairman Jim Risch had to step in to maintain order. Van Hollen went so far as to compare Rubio’s policies to the McCarthy-era witch hunts, suggesting a blatant disregard for democratic values in the current administration.

In a powerful closing, Van Hollen quoted an iconic moment in judicial history to hammer his point home. He paraphrased attorney Joseph Welch’s famous question: “Have you no sense of decency?” He stated that he regretted his vote for Rubio as Secretary of State. This exchange formed a clear picture of the clash between differing perspectives on governance, accountability, and diplomacy within the current political climate.

The clash between Senator Van Hollen and Secretary Rubio highlighted significant disagreements over foreign policy, particularly concerning deportations and relations with El Salvador. Van Hollen’s sharp criticisms and analogies to historical injustices indicated a concern for the moral implications of current administration policies. Rubio’s staunch defense of his actions suggested that he feels a strong obligation to act in the interest of national security, even when it leads to contentious consequences. The exchange underscores a deeper political divide over immigration and foreign relations in today’s legislature.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com