They Flew to Defend an MS-13 Gang Member—Comer Told Them to Pay for It Themselves

House Oversight Chairman James Comer delivered a crushing blow to four far-left Democrat lawmakers who attempted to travel to El Salvador on a taxpayer-funded junket to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member and convicted wife-beater. Reps. Robert Garcia (CA), Maxwell Frost (FL), Yassamin Ansari (AZ), and Maxine Dexter (OR) thought they could pull off a brazen political stunt—until Comer shut them down. Unlike Senator Chris Van Hollen, whose trip was bankrolled by hardworking Americans, these radicals were forced to go on their own dime after Comer refused to approve taxpayer funds for their disgraceful mission.

Van Hollen, who recently sipped margaritas with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, confirmed that his trip was funded by U.S. taxpayers—a slap in the face to every American struggling under Biden’s failing economy. Abrego Garcia, an illegal alien and suspected MS-13 member, was ordered deported in 2019 after an immigration judge ruled he posed a threat to public safety. Yet, Democrats are now trying to undermine U.S. law by lobbying for his release, proving once again that their loyalty lies with criminals, not citizens.

When the four Democrats arrived in El Salvador, they were denied access to Abrego Garcia because their trip wasn’t official—thanks to Comer’s refusal to authorize a CODEL (congressional delegation). A furious Maxwell Frost whined, “We got word at the embassy that our request has been denied by the government here locally because they say we are not here on official capacity.” Meanwhile, Maxine Dexter vowed not to return to the U.S. until Abrego Garcia is freed—a laughable threat from a lawmaker who clearly cares more about violent criminals than her own constituents.

HAHAHAHA!

Democrat Rep. Maxwell Frost reveals that the delegation sent to El Salvador to 'liberate' illegal alien and gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia have been DENIED access – because they are not there in an "official capacity" due to House Oversight Committee Chairman James… pic.twitter.com/hHBxFDiULX

— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) April 21, 2025

Comer’s response was flawless: “It is absurd that you both displayed active hostility for over two years toward the Committee’s oversight of the Biden Border Crisis and the consequences of millions of illegal aliens entering the country, yet now, you are seeking travel at Committee expense to meet with foreign gang members.” He added, “If you also wish to meet with him, you can spend your own money. But I will not approve a single dime of taxpayer funds for use on the excursion you have requested.”

I am in El Salvador because I will not stand by while our country is thrown into a constitutional crisis. This is a moment to act. I will not rest until due process is upheld for all. pic.twitter.com/q5b4cZg3iV

— Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (@RepDexterOR) April 21, 2025

This is the kind of strong leadership America needs—the kind President Donald Trump exemplified during his administration.

If Democrats wish to travel to El Salvador and meet with a foreign illegal MS-13 gang member, they can spend their own money to do so.

I will not approve a single dime of Oversight Committee taxpayer funds for use on the excursion Democrats have requested. pic.twitter.com/ldokDJBTve

— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) April 18, 2025

While the liberal media spins this as a humanitarian effort, the truth is clear: Democrats are more concerned with protecting violent criminals than securing the border. Under Trump, MS-13 members were hunted down and deported—not coddled by pandering politicians.