Something seems off, why would they dress him in his civilian clothes and send them to a restaurant for a photo opportunity especially when they said he’s a terrorist, even though we all know he’s not.
I don’t think he’s handcuffed considering he has a coffee cup and a glass of water. But also where would he even go or what would he do so probably no need. Still, I agree that it all seems off.
On the Midas touch, they have additional photos of him and the senator and he is not handcuffed… which makes it even weirder since again they said he is this horrible leader of the MS 13 and he’s a terrorist! But we know the Trump administration are just a bunch of liars.
I said the same thing. My only guess is they wanted to avoid him being in cecot clothes so it looked less depressing. Its all optics. It's more empathetic in jail clothes vs he looks like he's fine in regular clothes.
He was probably also threatened to say everything is fine and act normal to avoid suspicions as to the real conditions there. I'm guessing that restaurant is still inside cecot, like where the guards eat or something. I doubt they let him leave with the senator to get food
It's very common for dictators to dress hostages and political prisoners up before public showings, to "prove" that conditions are better than they actually are.
I take this as a good sign because it means the pressure campaign is having some effect. If they just didn't care, they'd do this differently.
That's more than strange! You are right that definitely ruins the Justice Bimbo's claims! Trump has been made a fool of once again, the injustice of this administration is unreal!
really was the photographer in the bushes now you would think the two would be able to pose maybe shaking hands and smiling and looking into the camera at least saying cheese this is AI
Don't you think the Senator would tell us this is fake, i didn't meet with him, he's handcuffed, he was told what to say. You all are absolutely WILD with your conspiracy theories! Jesus Christ. It's a win, take it for what it is!
AP reported that the interview was held in a hotel as Senator Van Hollen was not allowed to go to the prison. I suspect that that they did not want any more negative (honest) press regarding the appalling conditions there. Senator Van Hollen is scheduled to return to Washington tomorrow, so stay tuned for more on his experience from him directly.
I read the AP report. They didn't say they met at a hotel. Another separate source said they wanted them to meet at a hotel poolside, but the Senator declined. I've read so many stories on this, none have said where there the meeting was held. This from AP, updated 12:08 AM April 18, 2025:
"It’s not clear how the meeting was arranged, where they met or what will happen to Abrego Garcia. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele posted images of the meeting minutes before Van Hollen shared his post, saying, “Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody.” The tweet ended with emojis of the U.S. and El Salvador flags, with a handshake emoji between them."
Senator Van Hollen stated in his press conference today that Abrego Garcia was brought to the Senator's hotel for their meeting. The video of that press conference is available online.
A restaurant and good looking street clothes? It’s such an odd image and makes me feel like it is fake but I’ll choose to go with it and be thankful he is alive
That’s a common orchestrated scenario in any country under dictatorial rule. I have no doubt that while the Senator is seated there, they are encircled by a heavily armed security detail—which, naturally, won’t be depicted. I have immense respect for that courageous Senator. Trust me, the degree of uncertainty and unpredictability in such environments is incredibly intense and can be extremely stressful.
I'm betting that the Senator wanted to give him some dignity so he brought him some clothes, and cleaned up his hair since they were going to take photos as proof of life. I do think it's bullshit that he can't just be brought home though if they'll release him like that.
That’s a common orchestrated scenario in any country under dictatorial rule. I have no doubt that while the Senator is seated there, they are encircled by a heavily armed security detail—which, naturally, won’t be depicted. I have immense respect for that courageous Senator. Trust me, the degree of uncertainty and unpredictability in such environments is incredibly intense and can be extremely stressful.
How many times did you copy paste this same thing? Do you have personal knowledge of how a dictatorial country is run? What their rules are? Do you live in such a country?
Great, now do the World Cup soccer player, the hairdresser and everyone else so they get their DUE PROCESS. I don’t believe they are all violent criminals!
So prisoners shower w a bucket of water, only eat rice and beans, and never see daylight. But, Garcia gets to dress in civilian clothes and go to a restaurant during the day???? Definitely something staged here
Why is it staged. People that aren't maga are outraged that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was disappeared off our streets. We're outraged that maga House members and the puppy killer who travel down to El Salvador are allowed access into CECOT. For Senator Van Hollon to finally gain access to Garcia is a win. Stop with the conspiracy theories. Stop suggesting Senator Van Hollon is hiding information, to suggest the Senator is hiding the truth from US citizens is outrageous.
I don't think the senator is hiding anything from us. But I'm guessing el salvador staged it to make it not look as bad and van hollon is just grateful to see him and share the message.
But none if that negates what kind of possoble fuckery cecot is doing for the photo op
"US senator says margaritas in photo with wrongly deported man planted by El Salvador - live"
"Speaking to reporters at Dulles airport in Washington on Friday afternoon, the senator Chris Van Hollen just accused the government of El Salvador of creating the hoax he called “Margarita-gate”, by placing a pair of cocktail glasses on the table between himself and Kilmar Ábrego García as they met the night before, to make it look as though they were enjoying drinks.
Those photographs were posted on X by El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, along with a caption that downplayed the seriousness of the situation by falsely claiming that the senator and the wrongly deported man had been “sipping margaritas” as they met on Thursday evening.
But the senator said that the drinks were placed there during the meeting by someone from the Salvadoran government before the photographs were taken and that neither he nor Ábrego García had touched them. Van Hollen pointed out that there was visual evidence for this in the photographs: the rims of both glasses were covered in salt or sugar, but it was clear from the images that neither glass had been drunk from, since the rims were undisturbed."
Thank you for sharing. Van Hollen had not released a full statement when we posted our comments. I am glad that (most of) our suspicions were confirmed
Did you see trump had someone photoshop MS13 onto the fingers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's hand? I haven't had a chance to listen or read any Substack's today, so someone may have already talked on it, shown it. It's disgusting. It's so obvious it's fake.
Oh thank goodness!!! I really didn't have any hope. Now can we get him home?! 🥹
We’ll see anything can happen between now and then trying to get him home
Right? HUGE sigh of relief for getting THIS far.
I’m shocked he’s alive.
I am too!!! So happy!!!!
Same - I’ve never been so happy to be wrong!
Exactly!
You and me both!
Same! He needs to stay alive.
Same!
Me too
Ditto
Something seems off, why would they dress him in his civilian clothes and send them to a restaurant for a photo opportunity especially when they said he’s a terrorist, even though we all know he’s not.
I had the same thoughts, and the fact it is on X is suspicious. I hope both the senator and Kilmar make it home safe.
I looked again at the picture and those are fresh clothes, plus he has a fresh shave…idk. I wonder if he’s handcuffed?
I don’t think he’s handcuffed considering he has a coffee cup and a glass of water. But also where would he even go or what would he do so probably no need. Still, I agree that it all seems off.
On the Midas touch, they have additional photos of him and the senator and he is not handcuffed… which makes it even weirder since again they said he is this horrible leader of the MS 13 and he’s a terrorist! But we know the Trump administration are just a bunch of liars.
Has the Senator spoken publicly yet? Posting it on X just has my spider senses flashing red alerts.
That is not X.
I said the same thing. My only guess is they wanted to avoid him being in cecot clothes so it looked less depressing. Its all optics. It's more empathetic in jail clothes vs he looks like he's fine in regular clothes.
He was probably also threatened to say everything is fine and act normal to avoid suspicions as to the real conditions there. I'm guessing that restaurant is still inside cecot, like where the guards eat or something. I doubt they let him leave with the senator to get food
My gut felling is it is fake or not really him
?? The Senator is sitting with him! 🙄
Pictures are very easily manipulated, I hope to hear the Senator hold a press conference soon.
I’ve read on Bluesky it is NOT him
Don't you feel silly now after listening to Senator Van Hollon speak on meeting Kilmar Abrego Garcia?
I thought the same thing. And why couldn’t they let him talk to his wife?
I agree. I bet he threatened him to make sure he says the right things.
Oh 1000%! I would like to know exactly what was said.
Yes
It's very common for dictators to dress hostages and political prisoners up before public showings, to "prove" that conditions are better than they actually are.
I take this as a good sign because it means the pressure campaign is having some effect. If they just didn't care, they'd do this differently.
That's more than strange! You are right that definitely ruins the Justice Bimbo's claims! Trump has been made a fool of once again, the injustice of this administration is unreal!
Propaganda to hold them all.
https://x.com/nayibbukele/status/1913035243918864742?s=19
really was the photographer in the bushes now you would think the two would be able to pose maybe shaking hands and smiling and looking into the camera at least saying cheese this is AI
Don't you think the Senator would tell us this is fake, i didn't meet with him, he's handcuffed, he was told what to say. You all are absolutely WILD with your conspiracy theories! Jesus Christ. It's a win, take it for what it is!
AP reported that the interview was held in a hotel as Senator Van Hollen was not allowed to go to the prison. I suspect that that they did not want any more negative (honest) press regarding the appalling conditions there. Senator Van Hollen is scheduled to return to Washington tomorrow, so stay tuned for more on his experience from him directly.
I read the AP report. They didn't say they met at a hotel. Another separate source said they wanted them to meet at a hotel poolside, but the Senator declined. I've read so many stories on this, none have said where there the meeting was held. This from AP, updated 12:08 AM April 18, 2025:
"It’s not clear how the meeting was arranged, where they met or what will happen to Abrego Garcia. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele posted images of the meeting minutes before Van Hollen shared his post, saying, “Now that he’s been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador’s custody.” The tweet ended with emojis of the U.S. and El Salvador flags, with a handshake emoji between them."
If you have a different AP article, please share.
Senator Van Hollen stated in his press conference today that Abrego Garcia was brought to the Senator's hotel for their meeting. The video of that press conference is available online.
My thoughts is that maybe, just maybe, they’re starting to be afraid of the people.
He's being used for propaganda to show the prison is "nice" .
The way I audibly gasped in relief. Thank GOD
Oh, my Lord, me too!
Me too! So thankful that he is alive!
Same here! I pray that he comes home, and trump can take his place.
A restaurant and good looking street clothes? It’s such an odd image and makes me feel like it is fake but I’ll choose to go with it and be thankful he is alive
That’s a common orchestrated scenario in any country under dictatorial rule. I have no doubt that while the Senator is seated there, they are encircled by a heavily armed security detail—which, naturally, won’t be depicted. I have immense respect for that courageous Senator. Trust me, the degree of uncertainty and unpredictability in such environments is incredibly intense and can be extremely stressful.
I propose a swap. Him for Trump. What a deal!
Love it! PERFECT solution to the convicted felon/rapist! He should be in CECOT because he actually has a criminal record!!!
Now that is an idea. I like it !!!
Thank god!!!
OH MY GODDDDD YEEEEESSSSS HALLELUJAH
I’m grateful - but also, how do we know this is him? The photo looks so casual considering the context. (I swear I’m not a conspiracy person)…
I'm betting that the Senator wanted to give him some dignity so he brought him some clothes, and cleaned up his hair since they were going to take photos as proof of life. I do think it's bullshit that he can't just be brought home though if they'll release him like that.
Wait. They put him in a shirt and sent them to a restaurant? Feels like some kind of fuckery…
That’s a common orchestrated scenario in any country under dictatorial rule. I have no doubt that while the Senator is seated there, they are encircled by a heavily armed security detail—which, naturally, won’t be depicted. I have immense respect for that courageous Senator. Trust me, the degree of uncertainty and unpredictability in such environments is incredibly intense and can be extremely stressful.
How many times did you copy paste this same thing? Do you have personal knowledge of how a dictatorial country is run? What their rules are? Do you live in such a country?
Omg yay!!! And what about the gay barber!!!! 💈 bring them back!
Great, now do the World Cup soccer player, the hairdresser and everyone else so they get their DUE PROCESS. I don’t believe they are all violent criminals!
They say 90% of them have no criminal record at all.
So sad. Trump is a monster.
I’ve never clicked on a notification so fast in my life
SAME!!!!
I’d save that coffee cup & check the DNA. There’s a reason they wouldn’t cough him up days ago!
Oh Jesus Christ
I imagine trump asked for them to do it all this way . He is paying enough money
Do you hear yourself? I'm imagining trump is paying you to spread this propaganda. Jesus Christ
Wow so awesome !!! at least someone is doing something !
So prisoners shower w a bucket of water, only eat rice and beans, and never see daylight. But, Garcia gets to dress in civilian clothes and go to a restaurant during the day???? Definitely something staged here
Just for the hour
Why is it staged. People that aren't maga are outraged that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was disappeared off our streets. We're outraged that maga House members and the puppy killer who travel down to El Salvador are allowed access into CECOT. For Senator Van Hollon to finally gain access to Garcia is a win. Stop with the conspiracy theories. Stop suggesting Senator Van Hollon is hiding information, to suggest the Senator is hiding the truth from US citizens is outrageous.
I don't think the senator is hiding anything from us. But I'm guessing el salvador staged it to make it not look as bad and van hollon is just grateful to see him and share the message.
But none if that negates what kind of possoble fuckery cecot is doing for the photo op
It's so easy to research the information.
From The Guardian:
"US senator says margaritas in photo with wrongly deported man planted by El Salvador - live"
"Speaking to reporters at Dulles airport in Washington on Friday afternoon, the senator Chris Van Hollen just accused the government of El Salvador of creating the hoax he called “Margarita-gate”, by placing a pair of cocktail glasses on the table between himself and Kilmar Ábrego García as they met the night before, to make it look as though they were enjoying drinks.
Those photographs were posted on X by El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, along with a caption that downplayed the seriousness of the situation by falsely claiming that the senator and the wrongly deported man had been “sipping margaritas” as they met on Thursday evening.
But the senator said that the drinks were placed there during the meeting by someone from the Salvadoran government before the photographs were taken and that neither he nor Ábrego García had touched them. Van Hollen pointed out that there was visual evidence for this in the photographs: the rims of both glasses were covered in salt or sugar, but it was clear from the images that neither glass had been drunk from, since the rims were undisturbed."
Thank you for sharing. Van Hollen had not released a full statement when we posted our comments. I am glad that (most of) our suspicions were confirmed
Did you see trump had someone photoshop MS13 onto the fingers of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's hand? I haven't had a chance to listen or read any Substack's today, so someone may have already talked on it, shown it. It's disgusting. It's so obvious it's fake.