On a day when Americans across the country paused to honor fallen heroes, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) chose to spend Memorial Day not with veterans or Gold Star families in his district—but in El Salvador, lobbying on behalf of a foreign national, not a U.S. citizen, and reportedly tied to MS-13. The scene, which unfolded in a series of social media posts and video rants, might win Ivey the dubious honor of most tone-deaf political move of the holiday weekend.
Ivey’s video—posted from outside a detention facility in El Salvador—captured his frustration over being denied access to one Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom he bizarrely referred to as “his constituent.” The problem? Garcia isn’t a U.S. citizen. He’s not a Maryland resident. He’s not even legally in the country. And yet here was a sitting member of Congress, furiously demanding an audience with a foreign government over a foreign detainee, all while standing beside a union rep and Garcia’s lawyer.
“They knew we were coming… they need to just cut the crap!” Ivey declared in a near theatrical tone. Unfortunately for him, El Salvador isn’t part of his legislative district—and they don’t answer to Congress.
This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Let us remember their courage, their service, and the freedoms they preserved for us all. #MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember pic.twitter.com/T2aUISdUjb
— Rep. Glenn Ivey (@RepGlennIvey) May 26, 2025
If the imagery wasn’t already jarring, the timing made it worse. While millions honored America’s fallen service members, Ivey was abroad pushing for access to a foreign national—who is reportedly both an illegal alien and an alleged gang member. This was not only politically reckless, it was culturally tone-deaf.
Rather than commemorating the sacrifices made by Americans to protect liberty and law, Ivey decided to advocate on behalf of someone who entered the U.S. illegally and, according to reports, may have connections to one of the most violent criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.
Let’s be clear: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not a U.S. citizen. He is not a Maryland voter. He is not entitled to Congressional representation. Rep. Ivey’s claim that he’s acting on behalf of a “constituent” is misleading at best, deceptive at worst.
Today, I was denied access to seeing my constituent, Mr. Kilmar Abrego Garcia. If there is nothing to hide, cut the crap. Let his lawyer and I check on him.
@CASAforall pic.twitter.com/V310GDmIc4— Rep. Glenn Ivey (@RepGlennIvey) May 26, 2025
That didn’t stop other Democrats from joining the spectacle. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen was photographed at a table with Garcia—margaritas in full view. Other members of Congress reportedly made the trip as well, although they, too, were denied access. One report suggests House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was quietly advising Democrats to steer clear of the PR disaster—but his office denies this.
This type of political theater, at a time when polls show rising support for Trump-era immigration policies, is baffling. The American people are increasingly frustrated with open-border policies, crime, and government officials who seem more interested in defending foreign nationals than securing American communities.
Instead of doubling down on law and order, Democrats like Ivey are making trips abroad to advocate for individuals who—by any legal and political measure—are not their responsibility. It’s a strategy that’s not only out of touch with voters but increasingly out of step with the national mood.
