Van Hollen and Rubio Clash Over Deportation Policies at Senate Hearing

Senator Chris Van Hollen confronted Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate hearing over deportations, personal interactions with El Salvador’s President, and claims of unsubstantiated comments. The heated exchange drew historical parallels to McCarthyism, with Van Hollen questioning Rubio’s decency in light of current immigration policies. Chairman Jim Risch intervened as tensions rose, concluding with Van Hollen expressing regret over his support for Rubio’s nomination.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, harshly criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Affairs Committee session, prompting a heated exchange over immigration policy and personal interactions with foreign leaders. Rubio was appearing before the Senate panel for the first time since his confirmation, tasked with defending the administration’s foreign policy and budget priorities. Instead, he found himself forced on the defensive from the outset.

Democratic senators, Van Hollen in particular, seized the opportunity to challenge Rubio on various topics. These included the reorganization of the State Department, proposed spending cuts, and the ongoing detentions in El Salvador, particularly concerning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant mistakenly deported while residing in Maryland. Van Hollen’s emphasis was on Rubio’s relationship with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, criticizing a perceived softness in U.S. immigration enforcement.

In a dramatic series of statements, Rubio claimed, “In the case of El Salvador, absolutely, absolutely, we deported gang members… including the one you had a margarita with.” This comment referred to a meeting Van Hollen had with Abrego Garcia during a visit to El Salvador. The senator quickly fought back, stating, “Mr. Chairman, he can’t make unsubstantiated comments like that,” urging Rubio to provide his accusations in a court setting as they were not made under oath.

The back-and-forth escalated, with Rubio defending his stance on diplomacy, saying, “No judge can tell me how I have to outreach to a foreign partner.” He indicated that his interactions with foreign leaders would not be dictated by the judiciary, emphasizing the complexities of diplomatic relations. Van Hollen dismissed Rubio’s assertions, countering, “You’re just blowing smoke now.”

The tension in the room mounted further when Van Hollen drew historical parallels between Rubio’s deportation policies and the McCarthy-era witch hunts. Van Hollen expressed concern over the values of democracy being compromised, describing current policies as a “campaign of fear and repression.”

As the exchange became increasingly heated, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho, stepped in to maintain order. Van Hollen concluded his questioning with a powerful rhetorical query reminiscent of history’s darker moments: “Have you no sense of decency?” He expressed deep regret over his vote for Rubio’s nomination as Secretary of State, reflecting on the disappointing direction of foreign policy under the current administration.

The contentious exchange between Senator Van Hollen and Secretary Rubio highlighted significant tensions regarding U.S. immigration policy, particularly in relation to El Salvador. Van Hollen’s criticism of Rubio’s approach and personal connections with El Salvador’s president underscored a deeper concern for democratic values amidst current immigration practices. Ultimately, the interaction not only illustrated intra-congressional friction but also echoed historical sentiments regarding decency and accountability in governance.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com