Democrats introduce bill to sanction El Salvador for ‘colluding’ with Trump administration

Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Tim Kaine D-Va., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., have introduced the El Salvador Accountability Act of 2025. This legislation aims to hold Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and other Salvadoran leaders accountable for alleged human rights abuses and collusion with the Trump administration.

The bill proposes imposing property-blocking and visa sanctions on Bukele and other Salvadoran officials involved in international human rights violations or depriving individuals in the U.S. of their constitutional rights. Additionally, the legislation would block U.S. funding to the Salvadoran government and oppose international financial assistance being sent to the country.

The move comes after the Trump administration deported over 200 illegal, alleged gang members to the high-security prison CECOT in El Salvador. Democrats criticized this action, claiming that it deprived the individuals of their due process rights. One particular case that sparked controversy was the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member, to the prison in March.

Senator Van Hollen flew to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia and advocate for his return to the U.S. The DOJ is prosecuting Abrego Garcia on human trafficking charges, and he was brought back to the U.S. on June 6 to stand trial. Van Hollen emphasized that the focus was on upholding constitutional rights for all individuals.

In a statement, Van Hollen accused Bukele and the Salvadoran government of collaborating with the Trump administration to violate constitutional rights using American taxpayer dollars. He stressed the importance of holding them accountable for these actions and human rights violations in El Salvador.

Senator Padilla also supported the legislation, stating that imposing economic sanctions and visa restrictions on Bukele and his government is crucial to push El Salvador to uphold international human rights law and civil liberties. He echoed the need for accountability for the suspension of constitutional rights and collusion with the Trump administration.

However, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin raised questions about Senator Van Hollen’s intentions, suggesting that the trips to El Salvador were merely excuses to associate with criminal elements. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson criticized Van Hollen for prioritizing criminal illegal aliens over American citizens and praised the role of CECOT in housing violent criminal illegal aliens.

The El Salvador Accountability Act of 2025 reflects the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the treatment of individuals suspected of criminal activities. As the legislation moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will impact relations between the U.S. and El Salvador and address concerns about human rights abuses and due process rights.