Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) announced plans to meet with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele on May 8, emphasizing a commitment to strengthening U.S.-El Salvador relations. The meeting follows Luna’s acceptance of a personal invitation from Bukele, highlighting a shared focus on national security and human rights.
Luna’s visit comes amid criticism of Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who recently met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national deported from the U.S. and accused of MS-13 affiliation. Luna contrasted her upcoming meeting with Bukele to Van Hollen’s actions, stating her intent to focus on bilateral cooperation and security.
The Department of Justice has labeled Garcia as an MS-13 member, though a federal judge found insufficient evidence to support this designation. Despite this, Luna and other Republicans have criticized Democratic efforts to facilitate Garcia’s return to the U.S., viewing it as undermining immigration enforcement.
President Bukele has aligned with U.S. conservatives on immigration policies, refusing meetings with Democratic lawmakers advocating for Garcia. His administration has emphasized a tough stance on gang activity, resonating with Republican priorities.
Luna, chair of the Congressional El Salvador Caucus, aims to discuss mutual commitments to safety, freedom, and national pride during her meeting with Bukele. Her trip underscores a bipartisan effort to address shared concerns, despite partisan tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
