Controversial Deportation of Illegal Migrant Causes Rift Between Georgia Lawmakers

The Trump administration has come under fire recently for the deportation of a man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia was deported under the pretense of illegally entering the U.S. and being a member of MS-13.

However, questions over the validity of these claims have arisen and the issue has taken a partisan turn. Republicans and Democrats are split on this issue and Georgia lawmakers are an example.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) took to X to say that Garcia is where he belongs. She discusses Garcia’s criminal record and his affiliation with MS-13. Greene notes these as just cause for deportation. 

Green stated, “Garcia invaded our country illegally, broke our laws, and according to his own wife, abused her. He’s exactly the kind of dangerous thug President Trump promised to remove, and he did.” 

Representative Mike Collins (R) responded to Democrats demanding the return of Garcia on X. In particular, Collins focused on the actions of Senator Chris Van Hollen (D). For context, Hollen went to El Salvador to personally advocate for Garcia’s return. 

Collins commented, “If you’re going to advocate harder for illegal gang members than you do American citizens, don’t come back.”

Representative Andrew Clyde (R) weighed in on the controversy as well. His statement focused on the messaging by Democrats and the media that attempts to alter the story.

Clyde stated, “The American people are sick and tired of Democrats and the left-wing media’s lies. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not a “Maryland man.” He’s an illegal alien and MS-13 gang member from El Salvador.”

Senator Raphael Warnock (D) took to X to demand the return of Garcia. He also criticized the Trump administration for ignoring court orders. 

Warnock commented, “If the President can ignore court orders and send anyone he wants to a prison overseas, we are all at risk. An insult to the Constitution and to our values as Americans. Abrego Garcia must be returned now.”

Finally, Representative Hank Johnson (D) concurred with Warnock’s sentiment. He described the administration’s behavior as a disregard for the rule of law. 

Johnson stated, “SCOTUS was clear, Trump must 'facilitate' the return of Kilmar Abrego García and must keep the court updated on the steps it is taking to make that happen.”