‘We Are in a Constitutional Crisis’ Over Deported Maryland Man, Says Rep. Ansari

April 23, 2025 —
A growing political and legal firestorm erupted today as U.S. Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) declared that the wrongful deportation of a Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, represents a “constitutional crisis” for the United States.

Abrego Garcia, a legal U.S. resident and father of two young American citizens, was forcibly deported to El Salvador earlier this year despite an active federal court order blocking his removal. His case has become a flashpoint in a wider debate over executive power, immigrant rights, and compliance with judicial rulings.

Defying the Courts

After his deportation, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the deportation was unlawful and ordered the U.S. government to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return immediately.
However, the Trump administration — now into its third term after the 2024 election — has refused to comply, citing unproven allegations of gang affiliation against Abrego Garcia.

Critics argue that these allegations were already dismissed during earlier immigration hearings and that the refusal to follow the Supreme Court's decision undermines the very foundations of American democracy.

"This is about more than one man," Rep. Ansari said during a press conference today.
"If the government can ignore a direct order from the Supreme Court and get away with it, none of our rights are safe. We are in a constitutional crisis."

Lawmakers Travel to El Salvador

In a bold move, Rep. Ansari led a congressional delegation, including Reps. Robert Garcia (D-CA), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), and Maxine Dexter (D-OR), to El Salvador last week to check on Abrego Garcia’s welfare.

They requested access to the CECOT megaprison, where Abrego Garcia is reportedly being held — a facility internationally criticized for human rights abuses.
However, Salvadoran authorities denied their request, even though Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials have previously toured the same prison without restrictions.

Demanding Action

In response, Ansari and her colleagues sent a formal letter to the U.S. State Department demanding:

• Daily proof of life for Kilmar Abrego Garcia

• Immediate diplomatic efforts to ensure his safe return

• Full accountability for those who violated court orders

Ansari emphasized that the situation should not be viewed through a partisan lens.

"This isn't about Democrats or Republicans," she said.
"It's about upholding the rule of law. If court orders can simply be ignored by those in power, we are in serious trouble as a nation."

Background on Abrego Garcia

• Kilmar Abrego Garcia came to the U.S. legally in 2005.

• He worked as a small business owner in Maryland and had no criminal record.

• In 2023, he was swept up in mass immigration raids focused on alleged gang activity, despite no evidence linking him to any crimes.

• Immigration judges and federal courts repeatedly ruled in his favor — culminating in the Supreme Court order.

Family members say they are "living a nightmare," uncertain of his health and safety.

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Analysis: A Warning Sign for American Democracy?

Legal scholars warn that the Abrego Garcia case could set a dangerous precedent.
If federal agencies can ignore Supreme Court rulings without consequence, it may weaken the judiciary’s authority and tip the balance of powers.

Constitutional law professor Angela Renwick of Georgetown University said:

"If enforcement of court orders becomes optional, we are no longer operating under a true constitutional democracy. This is a red flag moment."

For now, Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains imprisoned in El Salvador — and his fate, along with the strength of America’s constitutional system, hangs in the balance.