Senate Republicans Block Vote on El Salvador Deportations

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) accused Democratic lawmakers of trying to ‘defend illegal immigrant criminals.’

Inmates stand inside a jail during a media tour at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador April 4, 2025. Jose Cabezas/Reuters

Senate Republicans on May 15 blocked a resolution by Democratic lawmakers seeking information on the deportation of illegal immigrants to El Salvador and a review of the country’s human rights abuses.

A motion to discharge the resolution and bring it before the Senate failed by a 45-50 vote. The resolution was co-sponsored by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and several other Democratic lawmakers.