‘Bienvenidos a El Salvador Senate Dems’: New NRSC ad mocks Van Hollen trip

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) recently took aim at Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen for his trip to El Salvador to assist deportee and alleged gang member Kilmar Garcia. In a scathing ad released on Tuesday, the NRSC mocked Van Hollen’s efforts while hinting at potential future trips by other members of the Senate’s minority party.

The NRSC sarcastically welcomed Senate Democrats to El Salvador, suggesting they should make their visits to hang out with MS-13 gang members a one-way trip. The ad, designed to resemble a typical tourism commercial, showcased the country’s natural beauty before highlighting Garcia’s presence as a notorious gang member.

Van Hollen had attempted to negotiate Garcia’s release to accompany him back to Maryland, where his family resides. However, the ad painted the trip as a misguided venture driven by “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and suggested that other Democrats like Cory Booker and Jon Ossoff may follow suit.

In response to the ad, Booker did not comment, while a spokesperson for Ossoff clarified that the senator had no plans to travel to El Salvador. The NRSC urged Senate Democrats to join their colleagues in what they dubbed the “rhythm of rescue,” a phrase emblazoned in wavy blue text over a coastal backdrop.

Following Van Hollen’s unsuccessful mission, four Democratic House members embarked on a joint trip to San Salvador. Homeland Security later released documents alleging Garcia’s affiliation with the MS-13 gang, a claim disputed by his legal team. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele adamantly opposed Garcia’s return to the U.S., citing his illegal entry into the country.

The NRSC’s ad serves as a sharp critique of Democratic lawmakers’ involvement in El Salvador and their efforts to aid individuals like Kilmar Garcia. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if more members of the Senate will follow in Van Hollen’s footsteps or if they will heed the NRSC’s cautionary message.