WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Democrats in Congress are trying to free a man wrongly deported to El Salvador.
The Trump administration is standing by its decision to deport him despite court orders calling for his return.
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen made a trip to El Salvador Wednesday but was denied a request to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who was living in Maryland when he was mistakenly deported last month.
"The Trump administration is lying,” said Van Hollen.
Attorney General Pam Bondi shared documents Wednesday showing law enforcement and a confidential informant had identified Abrego Garcia as a gang member.
Abrego Garcia has denied gang accusations and was never charged with a crime.
The White House slammed Van Hollen’s visit. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the deportation despite the Supreme Court ruling the U.S. must "facilitate" Abrego Garcia’s return.
"If he ever ends up back in the United States, he would immediately be deported again,” said Leavitt.
Efforts to get Abrego Garcia back likely won't end soon, according to Van Hollen.
"There will be more members of Congress coming,” said Van Hollen.
A federal judge has ordered government officials to testify about this case. The discovery period is expected to take about two weeks.
