Bulwark Takes: Detailed Summary of "Senator Confirms Abrego Garcia Alive, While Bukele Makes Sick Jokes"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host: The Bulwark Team (including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Bill Kristol, and more)
• Episode Title: Senator Confirms Abrego Garcia Alive, While Bukele Makes Sick Jokes
• Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delivers a comprehensive update on the latest developments surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a detained individual whose status has recently been confirmed alive. The episode delves into the contrasting responses from Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, highlighting the geopolitical tensions and human rights concerns at play.

Confirmation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Status

Tim Miller opens the discussion with breaking news: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is confirmed alive and has met with Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. This revelation brings a mix of cautious optimism and ongoing concerns regarding Garcia's situation and the broader implications for other detainees.

Tim Miller (00:00):
"We have breaking news. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is alive and was able to meet with Senator Chris Van Holland of Maryland earlier this evening."

Senator Van Hollen's Advocacy

Senator Chris Van Hollen has taken an active role in advocating for Garcia's rights. During his visit to El Salvador, Van Hollen met with the vice president and vigorously pushed for Garcia's access to legal counsel. He emphasized that denying Garcia this right constitutes a violation of international law.

Chris Van Hollen (01:05):
"This inability to communicate with his lawyers is a violation of international law. El Salvador is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. And that covenant says, and I quote, a detained or imprisoned person shall be entitled to communicate and consult with his legal counsel."

Miller underscores the significance of this stance, noting that it sets a precedent that could extend protections to other detainees, including Venezuelans held in similar conditions.

Tim Miller (01:59):
"It's interesting that he said that and then El Salvador responded because that might be a pressure point in the future, seeing as that would mean that the Venezuelans who are in Sukkot would also have access to an attorney or be able to talk to a representative as well, if El Salvador doesn't want to violate international civil rights agreements that they have been a party to."

President Bukele's Response and Social Media Activity

In stark contrast to Van Hollen's serious advocacy, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has taken a mocking tone on social media. Bukele's initial tweet suggested that Garcia's survival was miraculous, portraying him as enjoying leisure time in El Salvador, a depiction that raises skepticism about the detainee's actual conditions.

Tim Miller (02:50):
"Kilmar Brego Garcia, miraculously risen from the death camps and torture, now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador."

Bukele's tweet included a misleading image that appeared to misrepresent the reality of Garcia's situation, possibly intended to undermine the seriousness of the concerns raised by Van Hollen.

Furthermore, Bukele continued his trolling behavior by retweeting conservative influencers who criticized the situation, thereby amplifying his dismissive stance.

Tim Miller (04:15):
"Bukele then continues his trolling of all of us by retweeting a lot of conservative influencers who are replying to him..."

A particularly telling moment occurred when Bukele retweeted a critical response questioning the legitimacy of Garcia's status, effectively endorsing the skepticism surrounding the situation.

Tim Miller (05:00):
"Bukele retweeted that, you know, basically confirming that that is his point of view on this."

Broader Implications for Venezuelans in Custody

Miller highlights the broader implications of these developments, particularly for other Venezuelans detained in El Salvador's Sukkot facility. The confirmation of Garcia's status and Van Hollen's advocacy may pave the way for addressing the rights of other detainees, such as Andriy Andree, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Tim Miller (06:30):
"If we can get Abrego Garcia out, why could we not get the other Venezuelans out? So that they also have a chance to get due process."

The episode underscores the potential for leveraging international pressure to ensure that all detainees receive fair treatment and access to legal representation, in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Conclusions and Future Outlook

In conclusion, Tim Miller commends Senator Van Hollen for his proactive efforts in applying political pressure to secure Garcia's rights. He remains cautiously optimistic that these actions could extend protections to other detainees, challenging El Salvador's current practices under Bukele's administration.

Tim Miller (09:10):
"Good on him for demonstrating that pressure does work. The pressure can't. Political pressure can lead to results. Speaking up does matter. And so we appreciate you, Senator Van Hollen."

Miller emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy and monitoring of the situation, anticipating further developments and the potential for increased pressure on El Salvador to adhere to its international obligations.

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a nuanced exploration of the ongoing human rights issues in El Salvador, juxtaposing earnest political advocacy with dismissive authoritarian rhetoric. It serves as a critical reminder of the power of international pressure in safeguarding individual rights amidst geopolitical tensions.