'Maryland mom' set for deportation, defended by Sen Van Hollen, is convicted criminal from Vietnam: DHS

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official fired back at Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) on Wednesday after he falsely claimed the Trump administration was scheduled to deport what he portrayed as an innocent mother and business owner living in his district.

It has since been revealed that Melissa Tran, the "mom" the senator was referring to, is a 44-year-old illegal alien from Vietnam with criminal convictions and a final order of removal, according to DHS.

"Melissa Tran came here on a Green Card at age 11," Sen. Van Hollen wrote on X, referencing a news article about Tran's deportation. "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?"

Setting the record straight, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin fired back at the senator, writing in an X post, "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 2004–over 20 years ago."

Sen. Van Hollen, whose post got a "community note," made national headlines earlier this year when he traveled to El Salvador to demand the release of MS-13 gang member and wife beater, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Individuals on social media questioned why the Democrat lawmaker continues to defend criminal illegal immigrants unlawfully residing in his district.

"Great community note, Chris. Have you ever met a criminal you wouldn't go to bat for? one user wrote.

Another added, "Her green card was revoked in 2003 following a felony theft conviction.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."

"Feeling safer already!! Woooo support your local ICE raid!!" wrote another user.

According to McLaughlin, Tran was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in May. 

The Banner reported that Tran, a nail salon owner, was being held at an ICE detention center in Washington state before a judge ordered her release in October. However, Tran was arrested by ICE in Baltimore on Friday after Vietnam approved her passport to return home, allowing her deportation to proceed. She is currently in custody at an ICE facility in Louisiana.