Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed (D-MI) has thrown his support behind Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to lead Senate Democrats in the next Congress, citing the Maryland senator’s controversial trip to meet an alleged MS-13 member in El Salvador as an example of bold leadership.
During an interview on NPR’s ‘Newsmakers’ podcast, El-Sayed praised Van Hollen for taking ‘risks when it matters,’ specifically referencing his 2019 visit to El Salvador to check on Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, a deported immigrant accused by the Trump administration of MS-13 ties. Abrego-Garcia’s lawyers have denied the gang affiliation.
Controversial Trip Draws Criticism
Van Hollen’s trip, funded by taxpayers, sparked backlash from immigration hardliners, including former Trump Border Czar Tom Homan, who accused the senator of prioritizing a ‘public safety threat’ over Maryland residents allegedly killed by illegal immigrants.
‘What shocks me is he’s remained silent on the travesty that happened on the southern border,’ Homan said at the time, referencing migrant deaths under Biden. ‘How many Angel moms and dads has he met in the state of Maryland?’
El-Sayed’s Progressive Push
El-Sayed, a progressive Democrat who recently flipped a Michigan Senate seat, framed Van Hollen’s approach as a model for the party. ‘He went to check up on his constituent. That’s what leadership is about,’ El-Sayed told NPR.
The endorsement signals a potential challenge to current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), though Van Hollen hasn’t publicly declared a leadership bid. The move aligns with progressive efforts to shift the Democratic caucus leftward after mixed midterm results.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/el-sayeds-pick-for-senate-leader-ditched-his-state-to-have-cocktails-with-gangbanger