In a heated exchange on social media, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official responded to Senator Chris Van Hollen's (D-Maryland) claims regarding the deportation of a woman from his district.
The senator had portrayed the Trump administration's actions as targeting an innocent mother and business owner. However, DHS clarified that Melissa Tran, the individual in question, is a 44-year-old illegal immigrant from Vietnam with a criminal record and a standing deportation order.
Senator Van Hollen took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his disapproval of the deportation, stating, "Melissa Tran came here on a Green Card at age 11. She's since raised 4 kids, started a business, and is a beloved member of the Hagerstown community. Trump is deporting her, despite a judge saying she poses no threat. Is she the 'worst of the worst'? Do you feel safer yet?"
As reported by The Post Millennial, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin countered the senator's narrative, emphasizing Tran's criminal history. McLaughlin stated, "Omitting some pesky facts, Senator. Mong Tuyen Thi Tran, is a criminal illegal alien from Vietnam, with criminal convictions including grand larceny, multiple counts of forgery and fraud. An immigration judge issued her a final order of removal in 2004over 20 years ago."
Senator Van Hollen's defense of Tran is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, he made headlines for traveling to El Salvador to advocate for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an MS-13 gang member. This pattern of defending individuals with criminal backgrounds has sparked criticism on social media.
One user questioned, "Great community note, Chris. Have you ever met a criminal you wouldn't go to bat for?" Another pointed out, "Her green card was revoked in 2003 following a felony theft conviction. Seems like 22 years is plenty of time to resolve the citizenship challenge."
Tran's case has seen significant developments. According to McLaughlin, she was initially detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in May. The Banner reported that she was held at an ICE detention center in Washington state until a judge ordered her release in October.
However, following the approval of her passport by Vietnam, Tran was re-arrested by ICE in Baltimore, facilitating her deportation process. She is currently detained at an ICE facility in Louisiana, awaiting deportation. This situation underscores the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the enforcement of laws concerning individuals with criminal records residing illegally in the United States.
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