By Civitas
“When the people fight back, things begin to shift.”
After more than a month of silence, we finally have our first sign of life — and a spark of hope. According to a post from the verified Instagram account of Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (@bluetruckvanhollen), the lawmaker has met in person with Mr. Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador. The photo, taken at a local restaurant, shows Abrego Garcia alive, in good health, dressed in everyday street clothes.
Though he is not looking at the camera, Mr. Abrego Garcia appears deeply focused, clearly engaged in serious conversation with Sen. Van Hollen — a powerful image that tells us more than words ever could.
This meeting is a turning point. After weeks of fear, unanswered questions, and growing concern about Mr. Abrego Garcia’s safety and whereabouts, we finally have proof that he is alive — and that the fight to bring him home is not in vain.
What this moment means
This photo is more than a snapshot. It’s a signal. It tells us that international pressure works. That our collective voices matter. And that Sen. Van Hollen’s bravery in showing up should not — and must not — go unsupported.
Mr. Abrego Garcia is more than a name — he represents the countless lives caught in the crosshairs of political games, authoritarian power grabs, and silencing tactics.
This is the first good news we’ve received — but it only matters if we build on it.
A call to action for all of us
We cannot allow Sen. Van Hollen to fight this alone. This is a test not only of our democracy, but of our humanity. As Thomas Jefferson said: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
We are not calling for violence — we are calling for vigilance, unity, and bold resistance.
This is our moment to act — to ensure not only that democracy survives, but that something stronger, more just, and more inclusive rises in its place.
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Share the photo and the story far and wide. Silence helps tyranny win.
- Call and email your representatives. Demand that they support Sen. Van Hollen and take action to protect Mr. Abrego Garcia’s rights.
- Organize locally. Use your voice, your platforms, your people power.
- Stay loud. Stay focused. Stay unafraid.
This fight is global. This moment is critical.
And it will take all of us.
This is an update to a previous OpEd
Civitas is a writer, legal researcher and advocate focused on human rights, race, and government accountability in the 21st century.