As evidenced through the recent news cycle, liberals continue to prioritize illegal aliens over the American people.

Contrary to Democrat politicians and the left-wing media’s claims, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not a “Maryland man”; he’s an illegal alien and MS-13 gang member from El Salvador. In 2019, two courts, both an immigration court and an appellate immigration court, ruled that he was a member of MS-13 and in our country illegally. Additionally, there was a deportation order for him dating back to 2019.

Therefore, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador several weeks ago.

In response, Democrat politicians and the left-wing media have been up in arms to bring this illegal alien — who is currently being detained in his home country — back to the United States.

From erroneously referring to him as a “Maryland man” to pushing the false claim that he was wrongly deported, the Left has attempted to portray Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a victim in desperate need of being rescued. They’ve even gone so far as to hold rallies featuring his tearful wife begging for his return — yet conveniently leaving out court documents and police reports exposing Abrego Garcia as a violent domestic abuser. In one filing, his wife wrote: “At this point, I am afraid to be close to him. I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he left me.”

As you may know, the Trump Administration is currently battling against returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia in court. Both a federal court and the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Administration to “facilitate” his release and return to the U.S. for deportation proceedings. Yet Attorney General Pam Bondi has confirmed his return is up to El Salvador. Moreover, the Supreme Court’s ruling made it clear that no district court has the power to compel the foreign policy of the United States. 

Democrat politicians are now flying to El Salvador to demand for this criminal illegal alien to be brought back to America. Imagine how many American lives could have been saved over the past four years if Democrats cared as much about U.S. citizens as they do criminal illegal aliens.

Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat Senator from Maryland, even took a taxpayer-funded flight to meet with Abrego Garcia. Keep in mind, Senator Van Hollen failed to properly acknowledge the murder of Rachel Morin, one of his actual constituents who was brutally murdered by an illegal alien in Maryland during the Biden-Harris Administration.

Unconscionable is an understatement.

So, after repeatedly begging to meet with this MS-13 gang member, Senator Van Hollen was granted his wish — falling right into Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s trap. Following the release of photos of their meeting, Bukele proudly proclaimed, “Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody.”

Good! This criminal illegal alien has no place in our country. I commend President Trump and President Bukele’s work to deport and detain illegals like Kilmar Abrego Garcia in facilities in El Salvador.

Bottom line, when Democrats show their true colors — believe them. In stark contrast, my conservative colleagues and I will continue working to support President Trump in putting the American people first and deporting illegal aliens from our communities.

Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen Takes Taxpayer-Funded Flight to El Salvador to Advocate for Illegal Alien & MS-13 Gang Member, Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s Release

I want to hear from you!

Last Week’s Results:

85% support the Trump Administration's actions to expose and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in taxpayer-funded entitlement programs.

Last Wednesday, I visited Chatuge Dam with Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Towns County EMA Director Marty Roberts to meet with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) officials and discuss the TVA’s proposed plans to address spillway safety concerns. As you may know, a recent TVA study identified a key vulnerability in the spillway of Chatuge Dam. While the conditions of the current spillway are not an emergency, the TVA is aiming to improve the safety of the spillway to reduce the risk of the dam’s long-term operations. The TVA study has judged the spillway at Chatuge Dam exhibits some of the vulnerabilities that led to the damage and failure of the Oroville Dam spillway in California. To address the issue, the agency announced four potential alternatives for a long-term solution.

Chatuge Dam Spillway

Folks, my top priority is reaching a sensible approach to a long-term solution that benefits both the structural integrity of Chatuge Dam and the economic well-being of local communities. Residents, local officials, and small business owners throughout Towns County have shared serious concerns about the potential disastrous economic consequences of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s current proposals for dam modification. Given Lake Chatuge attracts incredible tourism and seasonal activity, potential drawdown plans present tremendous challenges to the economic lifeblood of Towns County. 

Rep. Clyde Observes Chatuge Dam Spillway

My office and I remain highly engaged in this matter, and I look forward to working with local officials, stakeholders, and the TVA to reach the best solution that effectively balances the safety of spillway operations and the continued economic prosperity of our North Georgia community. Please click the button below to learn more about the Tennessee Valley Authority’s proposed plans and opportunities to provide public comment on the matter.

Last week, I traveled to Rabun County to receive a briefing from the U.S. Forest Service on the Big Ridge Fire in the Chattooga River Ranger District, survey successful containment efforts, and discuss wildfire response, recovery, and future mitigation planning. The Big Ridge Fire is the largest fire in the region since 2016, and only one of three wildfires in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest of significant size over the past 25 years. To date, the wildfire has burned more than 3,400 acres in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. Currently, all burn bans and road closures put in place in response to the Big Ridge Fire have been lifted.

Rep. Clyde Learns More About Successful Efforts to Contain Big Ridge Fire

I commend the interagency coordination and cooperation in response to the Big Ridge Fire in North Georgia. Due to the incredible work and partnership among local, state, and federal personnel, this wildfire resulted in no private property damage or loss of life. At its peak, more than 280 U.S. Forest Service firefighters and support personnel were assigned to manage the Big Ridge Fire, and I deeply appreciate all the remarkable folks here on the ground who have helped battle the blaze.

Rep. Clyde Prays for the Safety of Crews Responding to Big Ridge Fire

Our Northeast Georgia community is blessed with resilient emergency, fire, and forest management crews who have worked tirelessly for weeks to contain the spread of the fire, protect lives and property, and plan for wildfire mitigation. My office and I remain engaged with our regional and federal partners to ensure our local communities have the support needed to ultimately extinguish the Big Ridge Fire, as well as the resources to assist in future fire prevention.

Blairsville VA Clinic

Rep. Clyde Meets with Blairsville VA Clinical Manager Ivelisse Miranda-Wilson to Discuss Resources Provided to Veterans Across Northeast Georgia

Rep. Clyde Visits with Blairsville VA Staff

ATF’s Raven’s Challenge

Rep. Clyde Meets with Georgia Participants in the ATF’s Raven’s Challenge

[The Raven’s Challenge Interoperability Exercise is an annual, interagency, counter IED exercise that incorporates scenarios focused on interoperability capabilities between public safety bomb squads and military explosive ordnance disposal units in operational environments.]

Rep. Clyde Learns More about Raven’s Challenge

Rep. Clyde Observes Raven’s Challenge Exercise

ICE Atlanta Field Office

On Monday, freshman Nate St. Pierre placed first overall in the GIAA Class 3A/4A district championship at the Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega, capturing fourth place for the Lakeview Academy Boys Golf Team. St. Pierre shot an impressive 72, beating two competitors by one stroke. Up next, the Lakeview Academy Lions will compete in the GIAA state championship on April 28th at the Glen Arven Country Club in Thomasville.

Congratulations, Nate, and good luck to the Lions in the GIAA state tournament!

After speaking at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville, Tennessee about the important role Congress plays in combating the opioid crisis, I’ll continue visiting with constituents and traveling across Northeast Georgia. For regular updates on the week ahead, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Gettr, and X. Have a blessed week!