Staff Reports
The recent outcry from Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, shines a harsh light on the glaring disconnect between Senator Chris Van Hollen’s priorities and the needs of his constituents. While families in Maryland are still reeling from the devastation caused by violent crimes committed by individuals who should never have been in the country, Senator Van Hollen chose to travel to El Salvador, not to stand with victims’ families, but to advocate for the rights of a deported non-citizen with alleged gang ties. For many Americans, this is not just tone-deaf; it’s an outright betrayal of the public trust.
Morin’s frustration is entirely justified. Despite the unimaginable pain of losing her daughter, she has received little more than silence from her senator. Instead of reaching out to grieving families or addressing the root causes of illegal immigration and its tragic consequences, Van Hollen used taxpayer dollars to champion the cause of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran who, according to law enforcement, has ties to MS-13 and a history of domestic violence. This misplaced compassion for criminals over citizens is exactly why so many Americans have lost faith in their elected officials.
It’s not just Morin who’s outraged. Local law enforcement, including Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler, has condemned Van Hollen’s actions, highlighting that the senator has never bothered to contact the families of victims like Rachel Morin or Kayla Hamilton. Instead, he’s willing to cross international borders to fight for the return of someone who is not even a U.S. citizen. This pandering to the far-left base and open-borders activists sends a dangerous message: that the rights and safety of American families are secondary to the political interests of the Democratic Party.
The broader Democratic response, as echoed by figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, only adds insult to injury. While they pay lip service to the pain of victims’ families, their real focus is on defending “Dreamers,” farm workers, and other undocumented groups, often at the expense of public safety and the rule of law. This refusal to prioritize American citizens and legal immigrants over those who break our laws is not just misguided—it’s a dereliction of duty.
Patty Morin’s story is a wake-up call for every voter who believes in law, order, and the sanctity of American life. Elected officials are supposed to protect their constituents, not ignore their suffering while chasing progressive talking points overseas. Until politicians like Senator Van Hollen put the needs of their communities first, especially those devastated by preventable crimes, they will continue to lose the trust and support of the American people. It’s time for real leadership that stands with victims, secures our borders, and restores accountability to government. Enough is enough.
