Where’s Chris Van Hollen’s Concern for Americans Brutalized by Illegal Immigrant Crime?
On April 16, 2025, the White House issued a press release highlighting Senator Chris Van Hollen’s (D-MD) warped priorities regarding immigration and public safety. The release notes that Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen and MS-13 gang member involved in human trafficking, who was deported from the U.S. The administration emphasizes that Garcia, as a Salvadoran, is already in his home country, questioning why Van Hollen is focused on his case.
The release points to the murder of Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five killed by an undocumented immigrant in 2023, as an example of the consequences of unchecked immigration policies. It notes that Van Hollen did not reach out to Morin’s family or publicly address Maryland’s sanctuary policies, which the administration links to the release of dangerous individuals. The press release lists nine undocumented immigrants recently arrested by ICE in Maryland, all with serious criminal convictions or gang affiliations, including:
Jing Ming Long, convicted of sex trafficking.
Salvador Vasquez-Rivera, convicted of sexual abuse of a minor.
David Alejandro Orellana-Aleman, a high-ranking MS-13 leader.
Edvin Giovanni Ceron-Reyes, convicted of attempted first-degree murder.
Juan Carlos Vasquez-Natera, convicted of sexual solicitation of a minor.
Wilmer Antonio Echenique-Navarro, a Tren de Aragua gang member.
German Ronal Del Cid Carranza, an MS-13 member convicted of possessing a loaded handgun.
Georges Olivier Daceus, convicted of third-degree sexual offense.
Chuan En Liu, convicted of second-degree assault.
These cases are presented to illustrate the risks posed by undocumented immigrants and the need for stronger enforcement.
What It Means Going Forward:
Strengthened Immigration Enforcement:The administration’s focus on arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, as shown by the ICE operations in Maryland, signals a commitment to prioritizing public safety through robust immigration policies. This approach is likely to continue, targeting individuals like Garcia and those listed in the release to prevent further crimes.
Challenges to Sanctuary Policies:The press release highlights Maryland’s sanctuary policies, particularly in Prince George’s County, as enabling dangerous individuals to remain free. This suggests the administration will push for local governments to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, potentially through policy incentives or legal measures, to enhance community safety.
Public Safety Messaging:By emphasizing cases like Rachel Morin’s and the arrests of violent offenders, the administration aims to underscore the importance of immigration enforcement to protect American citizens. This messaging could resonate with Maryland residents and others nationwide, encouraging support for policies that prioritize deporting criminal undocumented immigrants.
U.S.-El Salvador Cooperation:The administration’s stance on keeping Garcia in El Salvador aligns with efforts to work with countries like El Salvador to manage deported individuals. This collaboration could strengthen bilateral agreements on immigration, ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as MS-13 members, remain detained in their home countries.
Political Implications for Maryland:Van Hollen’s focus on Garcia’s case, contrasted with his lack of engagement with Morin’s family, may prompt Maryland voters to demand greater accountability from elected officials on public safety issues. This could influence local and state-level discussions on balancing humanitarian concerns with the need to address crime.
Sustained Focus on Gang Activity:The identification of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua members in the ICE arrests underscores the administration’s priority to combat transnational gangs. Ongoing efforts to dismantle such networks through targeted deportations and law enforcement operations are likely to intensify, reducing the influence of groups like MS-13 in the U.S.
The press release reflects the administration’s dedication to addressing the risks posed by undocumented immigrants with criminal records, using Garcia’s MS-13 affiliation and other cases to justify enhanced enforcement. Going forward, this approach will likely lead to increased deportations, pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions, and stronger international partnerships, all aimed at protecting communities like those in Maryland from crime.