Statement from Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Continued Detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia
Statement from Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Continued Detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia
April 21, 2025
I am deeply troubled by the continued detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, despite a clear directive from the United States Supreme Court to facilitate his return. This is not just an immigration case—it is a test of our democracy, our values, and our Constitution.
Kilmar is a son, a brother, a neighbor. He lived in Maryland, contributed to his community, and sought refuge from violence, only to be deported due to what the administration itself admits was a bureaucratic error. This mistake, grave as it was, could have been corrected swiftly and honorably. Instead, it has spiraled into a constitutional crisis.
When I speak with young people across Chicago, many of them are children of immigrants or refugees. They ask if the law will protect them. They ask if due process still matters. And today, I must look them in the eye and explain that the highest court in the land gave a directive—and the executive branch is choosing to ignore it. What message does that send to the next generation?
We are now standing on dangerous ground. When any administration defies the authority of the Supreme Court, it shakes the very foundations of our democratic system. If the law can be bent for one man’s political convenience, then it can be broken for all of us.
This is not hypothetical. My own father, Reverend Jesse Jackson, marched and negotiated for the release of hostages and political prisoners around the world. He taught me that America must never be afraid to stand up for justice—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. Kilmar’s case reminds us that the fight for civil rights and human dignity is not over. It’s happening now, under our watch, on our soil.
I call on President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to uphold the rule of law. Comply with the Supreme Court’s order. Bring Kilmar home.
This is about more than one man. It’s about the integrity of our institutions. It’s about the kind of country we want to be.
Let history show that we did not remain silent when democracy was threatened. Let it show that we acted.
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