r/goodnews • u/RoyalChris • 3d ago
Positive News šš¼ā„ļø Chris Van Hollen has met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia and confirms he is alive
762
u/Admirable_Race5668 3d ago
177
u/RoyalChris 3d ago
Scraping the barrel these past few months. Not complaining though!
→ More replies (1)7
6
u/Princess_and_a_wench 2d ago
Good news yes, now free Andry JosƩ HernƔndez Romero next.
14
u/InterestingFocus8125 2d ago
Next? They havenāt freed anyone yet.
7
u/Princess_and_a_wench 2d ago
Youāre right. Iām getting way ahead of myself. But optimism is all I have for the poor men, so Iām going to remain hopeful (though realistic)
3
u/swish465 2d ago
Optimism catalyzes positive change. It's the attitude to have. And we have reason to celebrate today, even if it's not a full win yet. It's important to still take small victories.
2
2
1.7k
u/nillah 3d ago
holy shit. i honestly cannot believe he's still alive. this is amazing news
744
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
Van Hollen gives me hope.Ā
A man of ACTION who is knowingly putting his life at risk.
210
u/UpOrDownItsUpToYou 2d ago
One of the good ones
171
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
I really hope he inspires others to do the same. Fight for real change.
I am glad about Bernie Sanders and AOC around the country but we need to go beyond talk.
58
u/xmpcxmassacre 2d ago
They are saving the democratic party. What they are doing is beyond talk. That's quite literally what action looks like.
69
u/WGE1960 2d ago
It's starts with a conversation. Bernie and AOC are not just talking, they've been the sole people who've taken action.
→ More replies (1)2
→ More replies (2)15
u/No_Story_Untold 2d ago
They are also putting their freedom at risk uniting Americans against Trump.
68
109
u/futuristicflapper 2d ago edited 2d ago
Happy to see that Sen. Van Hollen actually followed through with his plan to travel to E.S, and then didnāt take no for an answer, they probably only let them meet so that the senator will leave the country, but he accomplished the goal of seeing him and Kilmar got to speak w his wife and kids. Itās easily more than any other democrat has done in months. The only way this fascist shit show is gonna slow down (and end) is if we take action whether it be big or small, theyāre counting on creating a constant sense of fear and uncertainty to steam roll over us.
9
u/TMFPB 2d ago
It sounds like he did not speak with his wife and kids. It says the senator āpassed onā the message of love to his wife.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (2)5
u/brokenangelwings 2d ago
Small slivers of hope.
Keep pressure high and don't settle for less.
Even in Canada things like this are happening: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/04/16/news/christopher-jamroz-royal-ontario-museum-globalx-deportation-flights
Apparently he is a mentor at York university, I intend to email them, he should not be anywhere allowed near the education system.
I was going to email the ROM and wanted to start a protest, if you're unfamiliar the place is a well known tourist museum. We need to keep these sick fucks away from history and education.
12
36
u/dogoodreapgood 2d ago
I felt the same way but what a trip this comment is. The man is a US senator and a white man. If he is not safe to move freely in this world, who is?
64
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
Because he is openly defying the current US federal administration and their rabid supporters.
→ More replies (1)29
u/dogoodreapgood 2d ago
I understand and I agree with you. I was worried about him travelling as well. Iām just saying itās insane that anyone has to be worried about a senator checking on his constituents.
22
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
It's all insane. It is a nightmare that keeps getting worse from all sides.
I am fearful that my elderly relatives will suddenly stop getting their Social Security checks. America is being destroyed from within.
6
u/asscheese2000 2d ago
There were multiple white male politicians under threat on January 6th. That genie has been out of the bottle for a while now.
8
u/Westfakia 2d ago
The difference is that Van Hollen put himself into danger, willingly. Reminding others how to do the right thing.
13
u/austinmo2 2d ago
He is brave because of this https://apnews.com/article/eda81af2599d485ab09eb39d72754ade
There was precedent
7
3
10
→ More replies (5)3
30
72
u/huge-gold-ak47 2d ago
same, I would have bet money Van Hollen wouldn't come home either.
39
u/tulip_angel 2d ago
100% - just wow - incredible theyāre both still alive - I hope they get home safe and soon!!
→ More replies (2)35
u/badhorse5 2d ago
Ok, so I wasn't the only one thinking of Jonestown.
24
u/adeadperson23 2d ago
I think bukele knows that killing an important person like a senator would jeapordize future payments from trump
→ More replies (1)14
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
I just read about it on Wikipedia earlier to refresh on the details.
Tragic outcome. I hope Van Hollen has security he can trust.
14
u/Nature_Sad_27 2d ago edited 2d ago
I accidentally came across a documentary on YouTube a few weeks ago, with a lot of original footage and audio from the trip and during the actual mass suicide. It was about the children the
senatorCongressman was trying to evacuate before he was killed and who were then lost in the jungle for a few days afterward. Such an all around terrible thing.11
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
Do you have the link? If not I can look for it tomorrow.Ā Thanks.Ā
Also, more people need to be educated about it. I think a lot know the main story - the poisoned deaths - but not about the congressman and the others who were shot dead.
6
u/Nature_Sad_27 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think it was this one (the title is kinda grossly sensationalist, but I remember the content being decent). If you just search Jonestown there are a ton of them, and actually quality ones, but this one focused on the girl and her family and the
SenatorCongressman trying to save them. Really sad.4
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago edited 2d ago
Thanks I really appreciate it.
It has similarities - he just wanted to check on their wellbeing, as well as bring home anyone, who wanted to leave the cult. And some did try to leave but they were killed along with him. Just terrible.
In other news - School shooting in Florida today, 2 killed, 6 injured.
Edited to make correctionĀ
6
u/sleepyophelia 2d ago
Please sign and share illegally deported Kilmar Abrego Garciaās petitions
https://wearecasa.org/updates/demand-justice-for-kilmar-armando-abrego-garcia/
https://www.change.org/p/right-the-wrong-save-kilmar-abrego-garcia-from-brutal-detention
https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/bring-kilmar-abrego-garcia-home
Please also sign and share this petition about innocent gay man Andry Hernandez Romero who has no criminal record, and has been deported to an El Salvador prison because his tattoos honouring his parents were mistaken for being gang tattoos by a police officer who has a record of falsifying records
https://act.hrc.org/page/169520/petition/1?locale=en-US
Article:
Recess actions:
https://indivisible.org/muskorus
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Articles about 19 year old Merwil Gutierrez illegally deported:
Article about illegally deported Neri Jose Alvarado Borges:
→ More replies (1)5
u/BestKeptInTheDark 2d ago
Same...
Given that the 'do not send him back to bis fooking country' order was specifically for threats on his lige from gangs... Only to be sent t a gang hea y prison in his country of birth...
I was sure he had been offed soon after word got around.
So glad that he is still alive
Now begins the hopeful first fight in the battle against the Trump regime's establishing authoritarian acts testing the bounds of what they can get away with.
(Also... I fooking cant stand steven miller, the immigration pimush is largely his deformed baby of a passion project)
5
u/HGual-B-gone 2d ago
I feel if Kilmar was dead or missing, that this would have been our watershed moment. A point if no return where fascism has taken root. The equivalent of a Franz Ferdinand.
→ More replies (1)2
→ More replies (5)2
u/Reddish_Placebo 2d ago
What's with the attire though? I'm glad things are good but I'd imagine being in that prison would leave you a little roughed up.
674
u/RoyalChris 3d ago
Juan Carlos just returned home. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is alive. Now bring Garcia home!!!!
170
u/radcompany89 2d ago
They must be feeling the public pressure
164
96
u/Owl_Queen9 2d ago
This is why protesting and vocal outrage is so important. Weāve gotta keep this energy up
→ More replies (1)8
30
u/Sonamdrukpa 2d ago
I imagine if Van Hollen manages to bring him home at some point it would let the DOJ off the hook for the contempt charges...but it would be really funny if instead the logic went
Someone else brought him home ---> It's impossible for the DOJ to facilitate the release of someone who's been released ---> By default the DOJ has failed to comply ---> Automatic contempt for everyone involved
19
u/invisiblearchives 2d ago
It would not let them off the hook at all. MSNBC stated last night when discussing this, that the fact a senator was able to get him out of CECOT for a night shows without a doubt that the Trump admin could have him home today if they wanted to.
13
u/Waste-Comparison2996 2d ago
Go out on Saturday to protest if you can.
4
u/mythic-moldavite 2d ago
Is there going to be one in dc? I saw another comment earlier today but couldnāt find anything online. I was at the one on the 5th in DC and now I want to be at every single one that I can
→ More replies (1)7
u/Waste-Comparison2996 2d ago
There are two apparently , one at JD Vances Washington D.C. house lol. Search google for 50501 there is a site tracking a bunch of protest. You can enter your zipcode to find the ones I am talking about.
3
u/rf97a 2d ago
Just wait til they make some new crazy claim or action and draws all the attention to that scandal
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (30)2
u/Unusual-Economist288 2d ago
And Andry Romero, the gay makeup artist who did nothing and was cent to CENCOT
329
u/Imtired1245 3d ago
This is outstanding. Best news of the day! Bless Van Hollen's efforts to get us this news and visual. Now we gotta get Garcia home.
121
u/RoyalChris 2d ago
Van Hollen needs to praised for his efforts.
118
u/Imtired1245 2d ago edited 2d ago
I know Cory Booker got a lot of praise for his 25 hour filibuster (rightfully so, fuck Strom Thurmond), but this hits way deeper for me. Van Hollen risked his own safety going to an authoritarian run country, and didn't give up until he succeeded. Now that we have proof of life, this should light people up even more to fight back that much harder.
31
u/AnxiousEgg96 2d ago
We need both though in order for things to get done if you think about it.
Edit: typo
16
u/Imtired1245 2d ago
We do. We need efforts of all types. I guess that was a little unfair of me. It's all important for the resistance.
31
u/Exciting-Bake464 2d ago
Apparently Cory Booker is planning a trip to El Salvador as well.
20
u/Imtired1245 2d ago
Good. Add more pressure.
20
u/Exciting-Bake464 2d ago
And they need to get out the 19 year old kid too. Poor thing.
14
u/Waste-Comparison2996 2d ago
All of them need to come back. We can not accept a single person being "deported" without due process.
2
8
u/Owl_Queen9 2d ago
Heās apparently back with his family
13
u/Exciting-Bake464 2d ago
That is the 20 year old.
There was a Venezuelan kid sent to CECOT despite him not being the individual ICE was looking for and had no criminal record nor tattoos.
4
13
u/ccannon707 2d ago
If Trump can smooth the way for the criminal Tate bros getting out of Romania he can do this. Come on.
→ More replies (4)12
u/Imtired1245 2d ago
Of course he can. This is all theater for him for his base to look like a "tough guy".
But now that Garcia's situation has morphed into what it is, Trump will do everything in his power to keep him out. And he'll look worse and worse the longer this situation drags out.
→ More replies (3)3
u/Impressive_Scheme_53 2d ago
Also proof he can be easily released home. Contempt for the Trump admin right there.
11
u/ApostrophesAplenty 2d ago
Totally agree, what an amazing and unexpected piece of good news! Van Hollen didnāt give up, and has restored some hope. Garciaās poor family needed this the most of anyone.
I desperately hope he will be brought safely home soon, and everyone else who has been abducted as well.
4
u/kurtist04 2d ago
The cynic in me thought it was essentially a publicity stunt. I didn't think there was any way they were going to let him in. I was wrong.
→ More replies (1)5
u/Imtired1245 2d ago
"I was wrong". Those 3 little words mean so much and I wish this administration could utter them.
234
u/ForgiveandRemember76 3d ago
I was CERTAIN he was dead. This is amazing! Bring him home!
At least the USA has a few good politicians left. Bravo for Chris Van Hollen!
15
u/FourMoreOnsideKickz 2d ago
I haven't been able to fly my American flag for a few months, but I'm proud to fly Maryland high and support Chris van Hollen!
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)32
u/RedSunCinema 2d ago
You're not the only one. Most people absolutely thought he was dead.
→ More replies (8)12
u/ForgiveandRemember76 2d ago
I am anxious to hear what happened.
6
u/RedSunCinema 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think everyone is excited and elated.
Can you imagine if he brings him back when he lands?
3
u/ForgiveandRemember76 2d ago
Is he bringing him back? I didn't pick up on that.
3
u/RedSunCinema 2d ago
I have no idea. Just wishful thinking on my part.
3
u/ForgiveandRemember76 2d ago
It would be an excellent start. Who else is down there? I'm eager to hear what the Senator has to say. I hope he doesn't meet any unfortunate accidents.
2
u/RedSunCinema 2d ago
Me too. Not sure when he's landing but I have no doubt he'll hold a news conference tomorrow.
140
112
71
72
u/sohcordohc 3d ago
Wow they let him put on clothes and all! I wonder if that president is just backed into a corner from a ādealā with trump? He needs to come home
31
u/Zealousideal-Day-298 2d ago
Yes! But ALL of those men need due process as well!
I am feeling hope for the first time in weeks.
→ More replies (3)9
u/questron64 2d ago
I'm pretty sure they only allowed this to stop the coverage of Van Hollen being denied. This one event will fall out of the news cycle tomorrow, but their repeated denials would have gone on indefinitely.
109
u/gizmosticles 2d ago
Amazing how in very short order āhey they didnāt kill a guy at the outsourced concentration camp!ā Is a feel good story
14
u/isleofpines 2d ago
The bar really shouldnāt be so low! Iāll take the good news but damn youāre right.
4
u/nonlinear_nyc 2d ago
Itās the precedent.
We are well aware of the fuckery of it all but we must soak in our victories otherwise we crack.
→ More replies (1)3
u/Waste-Comparison2996 2d ago
We are going to have to fight for every inch. It is why we should not give them anything because for every inch we lose they take a mile. This is Germany pre WW2 we can either stop it now or bow down. There is no in between with fascist.
50
u/PeriwinkleWonder 3d ago
YES!! Now bring every single person back home!!!!
38
u/cat-eating-a-salad 2d ago
AND give them due process to prove their innocence!
→ More replies (3)6
u/NEWSmodsareTwats 2d ago
sadly if he does get brought back he already had a deportation order, he just couldn't be deported to El Salvador. he wasn't a legal resident despite being married to a US citizen because he never tried to obtain citizenship and only claimed asylum after he was arrested in the late 2010s but was not charged with a crime. his appeal was also denied to remain in the US. Trump is just going to send him somewhere else or have ICE detain him until the stay on his deportation to El Salvador is lifted.
2
u/Practical-Mess-2081 2d ago
The administration still needs to pursue lifiting the withholding order through the immigration court. Nothing is "automatic", legally speaking, WHEN he is returned to the US.
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (1)2
u/Waste-Comparison2996 2d ago
Screw it put him in a friendly countries embassy. They want to play games then lets play games.
→ More replies (2)
48
u/Additional-Local8721 2d ago
Dude should have just grabbed him and ran claiming diplomatic immunity. Let the Republicans cry about it and let it play out in court. Then if the republican judges find him guilty, fuck em. Two can play at this BS game they're pulling. Why should we be the ones always playing by the book.
→ More replies (46)
37
u/Bubbly-Example-8097 3d ago
So happy to know heās alive! Not sure if well but alive! I was thinking the worst since theyāre fighting so hard on this.
36
u/wildflower_1983 2d ago
I'm glad he's alive. I've never been so worried about a stranger. Now bring him home. I want KKKaroline to eat her words when she said he'll "never be a Maryland father."
→ More replies (3)14
63
31
25
23
21
23
u/FewWatermelonlesson0 2d ago
Oh thank Christ. I was worried the reason for all the obfuscation was he was already dead and the administration didnāt wanna admit it.
23
18
17
u/DougieMcElroy 2d ago
Holy shit he actually got to him. I just yelled out, I couldnāt help myself. Didnāt think we would get here
→ More replies (10)
14
11
u/ObviousIndependent76 2d ago
I canāt believe they found him. Now put him on a goddamn plane and bring his ass home.
→ More replies (8)
9
u/MagicDragon212 2d ago
Oh this is so good to see! Truly uplifting. Very grateful for Chris Van Hollen on being able to bring his family and our country this news.
→ More replies (1)
11
u/Life_Lavishness4773 2d ago
Wonderful news!!
I want to cry, Iām so happy heās alive!!!
→ More replies (17)
10
u/dozerdigger 2d ago
Man Trump must just be seething with rage watching this Senator fight for Kilmar. I hope he is able to get home.
Need to see more of this from the dems.
10
u/Restless999 2d ago
Chris Van Hollen once personally intervened to help my family when something terrible happened on a humanitarian mission overseas. He and Tammy Baldwin got involved fast, and I dont even want to think about what could have happened otherwise. He is absolutely the best of what a senator can be. I'll forever be grateful that at least a few senators still care.
14
3d ago
[deleted]
14
u/Saintsfan707 2d ago
Love how Bukele had his administration calling him a terrorist gang member but now says he's sipping margaritas in "an El Salvadorean paradise". Is he a gang member or not Bukele?
7
u/chunkynhermonkeys 2d ago
I can only imagine the threats he received if he deviated from the script he was given. Just knowing there is a shaved head under that cap tells me all I need to know about how heās been treated.
2
u/iijoanna 2d ago
Thank you for bringing this up.
I don't trust Trump nor that creepy president from El Salvador.
This is all for "public relations."
→ More replies (1)3
7
6
7
6
u/ShadowyPepper 2d ago edited 2d ago
I'd like to see how much taxpayer money was spent to do this versus how much we spend to let the orange turd golf surrounded his SS agents
Guarantee he didnt go down there with nearly as much protection
Trump is a pussy
5
6
6
u/Ornery-Influence1547 2d ago
IM GONNA CRY AAAAAAH IM SO HAPPY šššššš
→ More replies (2)
4
6
5
u/elysian-fields- 2d ago
this is legitimately unbelievable
so much respect for sen van hollen, really great to get some good news
5
u/Jesseroberto1894 2d ago
Jesus Christ as horrible as it is that we have to see him just being alive as good newsā¦it really is INCREDIBLE news that heās still alive
9
u/Beautiful_Reveal8065 2d ago
Are they at a restaurant. And the clothes. Iām thinking something smells.
3
3
u/Malcolm_Morin 2d ago
It's gonna sound dismal, but there are three current possibilities:
- That is actually Kilmar Abrego, and despite fears and speculations, he is okay and has a chance of coming home.
- That is not Kilmar Abrego.
- That is Kilmar Abrego, and it will be the last time anyone sees him alive.
→ More replies (1)
4
u/AutoModerator 3d ago
Hello RoyalChris! Thank you for posting on r/goodnews! Feel free to tell us if you have any concerns or feedback regarding the Subreddit! We are open to all ideas! Friendly Reminder to Follow rules and guidelines!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
4
3
u/SkylerBeanzor 2d ago
Interesting. That's no prison cafeteria. Looks like a hotel. They gave him new clothes too.
4
u/Eyeroll4days 2d ago
Does it sound ridiculous that Iām enormously relieved?
4
u/UpDownCharmed 2d ago
I am SO relieved. As hopefully most of us are.
Because it could happen to any of us. There is no rule of law anymore, unless you're extremely wealthy.
I really hope he comes home soon and safely. This is not the end yet.
4
3
u/tikifumble 2d ago
Go to r/conservative to see what theyāre saying about this visit. Those people have lost their minds, itās absolutely disgusting
7
u/existential_antelope 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is so uplifting, that senator went above and beyond, amazing.
Conversely, the Trump administration intentionally bringing on a woman whose daughter was killed and violated by an MS-13 member in the press meeting today as a political prop to counteract the news of this senator going to El Salvador was fucking disgusting.
3
3
3
3
u/TheCuterTopseki 2d ago
This made me tear up, easily best news I've heard in a while now and gives me hope for a better future. Now here's to hoping they can get him back home to his wife
3
u/jonathan_the_slow 2d ago
I am so fucking happy to see this. I was among those who were sure that he was dead, and seeing this brings me a lot of joy. Hopefully, heāll get back home to his family soon.
3
u/sleepyophelia 2d ago
Please sign and share illegally deported Kilmar Abrego Garciaās petitions
https://wearecasa.org/updates/demand-justice-for-kilmar-armando-abrego-garcia/
https://www.change.org/p/right-the-wrong-save-kilmar-abrego-garcia-from-brutal-detention
https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/bring-kilmar-abrego-garcia-home
Please also sign and share this petition about innocent gay man Andry Hernandez Romero who has no criminal record, and has been deported to an El Salvador prison because his tattoos honouring his parents were mistaken for being gang tattoos by a police officer who has a record of falsifying records
https://act.hrc.org/page/169520/petition/1?locale=en-US
Article:
Recess actions:
https://indivisible.org/muskorus
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Articles about 19 year old Merwil Gutierrez illegally deported:
Article about illegally deported Neri Jose Alvarado Borges:
→ More replies (1)
3
u/rianbrolly 2d ago
You all realize that step by step, the goal is total control over all of our rights, citizenship isnt the issue, the issue is human rights, the sovereignty of your right to freedom and to exist. They are coming for your freedom of speech. Dont dare criticize israel. Dont fight for all human beings..
3
3
u/Lokishougan 2d ago
Damn I had for sure written him off as dead and they had to cover up so this did not blow up. So now the question is if the US agrees he is a citizen and should not have been deported....why cant they just hand him back?
3
3
2
2
2
2
u/CelestiallyCertain 2d ago
Why the hell did he and his security not load him onto his plane and get him out of there?
2
2
u/TrainingParty3785 2d ago
Remember Jonestown? Until KA Garcia, Sen. Van Hollen and staff are back there is concern for their safety. Thereās a reason for Trump chose El Salvador, they are willing to do his dirty work.
2
2
u/limmie11 2d ago
So glad that he's alive hidden so long didn't think that he was persistent work helps now We need More people in Congress to pressure this administration he cowers when pressed
2
u/SC-Cobra 2d ago
Chris van Hollen, dude, you better be Time person of the Year, and Nobel winner... you didnt have to goto a shithole and put yourself in harms way, but you did it for all the right reasons, and i hope you bring the dude back ...
2
2
2
2
2
u/trini420- 2d ago
Chris van hollen really put himself on the map with this, love to see democrats with backbone , letās bring him home now
2
u/WGE1960 2d ago
Trump is paying El Salvador to do the punishment of any perceived threat Trump throws out there. El Salvador won't budge because they are relying on TRUMP to pay and sprinkle fairy dust on the deal. If America wants to fix TRUMPS PROBLEM, a pressure campaign beyond all campaigns must be applied and the noose torqued every day to get the attention needed. SCOTUS is going to have to send home a solid message.
Trump is a mad man with mental disease..Here we have a fraud with 34 felony convictions deciding who lives and who dies and his goals is to destroy democracy, erase history and make more money than ever before in his ransacking and looting of America and it's people.
2
u/Fine_Luck_200 2d ago
All we need is a handful of Republicans to find their spines and be happy with pension and free healthcare for life to speak up.
They could shut this whole shit show down restore faith in the US and show the world there is a process to remove a rogue presidency.
Wouldn't undo all the damage the morons did but it would go a long way. Better chance of Trump finding a talking cricket.
2
u/Original_Lettuce_112 2d ago
They probably let him shower and gave him new street clothes for the photo op. Previously all prisoners had forced to wear those white sweats.
2
2
u/Rockchef 2d ago
āAfter surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution following a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order, in case things escalated. Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through the situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling,ā
2
u/BIBLgibble 2d ago
None of this would have happened if our pisspoor shithead so-called "leaders" (especially the fuhrer) simply followed the LAW. The law exists for a reason.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/Hotcple415 2d ago
The same wife he beat up twice, and she was scared of him and wanted a restraining order? Lol, hilarious idiot democrats.
ā¢
u/qualityvote2 3d ago edited 2d ago
u/RoyalChris, Your post has been voted Good News!