Senate Republicans just dropped a hammer—and a punchline—on Democrats over their bizarre crusade to bring back a deported MS-13 suspect. In a new video ad released Monday, the GOP uses humor and sharp irony to rip into what it calls “rescue tourism,” mocking Democrats for flying to El Salvador to advocate for a known gang member.
The ad comes after Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and several House Democrats traveled to El Salvador to lobby for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member and accused domestic abuser who was deported by the Trump administration in March.
“Welcome to El Salvador,” the video begins in the tone of a warm travel promo, complete with scenic views and relaxing music. But it quickly shifts gears.
“…and gangbanger Kilmar Abrego Garcia,” the narrator deadpans, cutting to mugshots and gang tattoos.
🔥NEW DIGITAL AD:
¡Bienvenidos a El Salvador Senate Dems!
Democrats should feel free to make their trip to hang out with MS-13 gangbangers one-way 😉 pic.twitter.com/hKqzwj7GT6
— Senate Republicans (@NRSC) April 21, 2025
The GOP ad proceeds to roast Democrats for what it calls “Trump Derangement Syndrome in its purest form,” naming Van Hollen, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) as Democrats more concerned about the fate of violent illegal aliens than the safety of American citizens.
“El Salvador is the destination for Democrats seeking the thrill of bringing violent criminal illegal aliens back to America,” the narrator says sarcastically. “Step into the rhythm of rescue today.”
It’s a ruthless gut-punch, but Republicans say the ad is necessary to highlight the absurdity of Democrats’ priorities.
Sen. Van Hollen’s trip already sparked national backlash after photos surfaced of him near margaritas while meeting with the accused gang member. But the embarrassment didn’t stop there. Four more Democrat House members—Reps. Maxine Dexter (OR), Robert Garcia (CA), Maxwell Frost (FL), and Yassamin Ansari (AZ)—followed him to El Salvador this week in a failed attempt to visit Abrego Garcia. They were turned away by Salvadoran officials for not being there in any official capacity.
The entire stunt was privately funded after House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) refused to authorize taxpayer dollars for what he called a “political spectacle.”
Trump allies were quick to pile on. Former senior advisor Stephen Miller blasted the Democrats, accusing them of defending “wife-beating, terrorist illegal aliens” while ignoring American victims. Others, including Rachel Morin’s family, have also spoken out. Morin, a mother of five in Maryland, was raped and murdered in 2023 by another illegal alien MS-13 member—yet Van Hollen never even contacted her family.
“This is empty theatrics at its finest,” wrote RedState’s Bob Hoge. “Keep it coming, Dems—and keep mocking them, Republicans. Humor is a heck of a way to expose their silliness.”
Indeed, it may be laughable—but it’s also deadly serious. Democrats are now on record flying across the world to plead for the return of a man linked to violent crime and known gang affiliations. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has made clear: he’s not coming back.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has likewise confirmed that Abrego Garcia will remain in custody.
For Republicans, this ad isn’t just trolling—it’s a warning: if Democrats are this obsessed with protecting criminals, they’ve forfeited their credibility on public safety.
And if this latest debacle is any indicator, the GOP is happy to keep the spotlight—and the sarcasm—on them every step of the way.
