Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar opposes return of alleged MS-13 member
A prominent Texas Democrat breaks ranks with fellow party members regarding the controversial deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
According to Breitbart, U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar has publicly opposed his party's stance on bringing back Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national who was deported in March 2025, stating this is not the right case to advocate for due process.
Homeland Security officials have presented evidence linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13, citing his alleged involvement in human trafficking operations and gang-related tattoos on his fingers.
The case has garnered significant attention from progressive lawmakers and media outlets, who have notably referred to him as a "Maryland man" while documenting his legal struggles.
Complex Immigration Case Sparks Political Debate
The deportation case has become increasingly contentious after court documents revealed a previous protective order granted to Abrego Garcia's wife following domestic violence allegations, which she later withdrew.
Despite having two standing deportation orders, supporters argue his March 2025 removal was procedurally flawed, describing it as an "administrative error" in court proceedings.
Democratic lawmakers have shown strong support for Abrego Garcia's case, with some even visiting him in his Salvadoran prison. This level of advocacy has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Representative Cuellar, who represents Texas's 28th congressional district.
Cuellar's position carries particular weight given his background as the son of a Mexican immigrant and his representation of a predominantly Latino district that stretches from San Antonio's suburbs to the Rio Grande since 2005.
Border Security and Policy Implementation
Representative Cuellar shared feedback from his constituents regarding the case. He emphasized that many legal immigrants in his district have expressed concerns about individuals entering the country through unofficial channels.
Here's what Cuellar shared during his radio appearance:
People were saying, "Our parents came in the legal way. They came in, became legal residents," and, "They came in and did it the right way." But when you see people jumping in, not knowing who they are. That's something wrong.
The Texas congressman has also voiced support for several of President Trump's border policies, particularly those focusing on enhanced security measures and enforcement protocols.
He specifically praised the administration's success in securing Mexican cooperation for border control efforts.
Current Status and Future Implications
Representative Cuellar's stance on border security reflects a broader perspective on immigration enforcement. His support for Trump's border initiatives marks a significant departure from typical Democratic party positions, especially regarding Mexico's role in border control.
In discussing border security strategy, Cuellar employed a football analogy to describe the ideal approach to immigration control.
He expressed approval of efforts to engage Mexico in preventive measures, suggesting that stopping illegal immigration before it reaches the U.S. border is more effective than dealing with it at the point of entry.
Case Resolution and Political Impact
Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation case continues to generate controversy within Democratic circles, with Representative Henry Cuellar standing firm in his opposition to efforts seeking the Salvadoran's return to the United States. His stance reflects growing concerns among border state Democrats about immigration policy and enforcement.
The case highlights complex tensions between immigration enforcement, due process considerations, and political messaging.
As the situation develops, it may influence future Democratic approaches to immigration cases, particularly those involving individuals with alleged gang affiliations or criminal backgrounds.



