El Salvador's Unprecedented Deal to House Violent US Criminals and Deportees
In a groundbreaking and controversial agreement, El Salvador has agreed to house violent US criminals and receive deportees of any nationality. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deal following a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, as part of efforts to bolster regional support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Key Aspects of the Agreement
The agreement includes:
- Continued acceptance of Salvadoran deportees who illegally entered the US.
- Acceptance of deported criminals from any nationality, including members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gangs.
- Housing of US criminals, including American citizens, in Salvadoran prisons for a fee.
Bukele confirmed that El Salvador’s CECOT mega-prison, with a capacity of 40,000 inmates, would be used to accommodate these prisoners. He emphasized that the fee charged to the US would help sustain El Salvador’s prison system.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The deal has sparked widespread criticism and legal skepticism. Experts argue that US law strictly prohibits the deportation of American citizens, even if they are incarcerated. Leti Volpp, an immigration law professor at UC Berkeley, warned that such an agreement could face severe legal challenges.
Human rights organizations have also raised concerns over inhumane prison conditions in El Salvador, citing reports of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of due process. The US State Department’s travel advisory highlights the harsh conditions in Salvadoran prisons, warning that they pose risks to inmates' health and safety.
Political and Public Reactions
The Trump administration and its supporters have praised the agreement, with Elon Musk calling it a “great idea.” However, critics argue that the deal reflects democratic backsliding and undermines international law.
Latino advocacy groups have strongly opposed the move, condemning it as a violation of migrants' rights. Mneesha Gellman, a professor at Emerson College, described the proposal as unprecedented and legally dubious, accusing the US and El Salvador of using deportees as bargaining chips.
Meanwhile, Salvadoran opposition leaders have also rejected the deal. Manuel Flores, leader of the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front, criticized the move, saying, “What are we? Backyards, front yards, or garbage dumps?”
A Larger Immigration Crackdown
The deal aligns with Trump’s tough stance on immigration, which has included increased deportations, revoking protections for migrants, and targeting transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
Additionally, the US has pressured countries to accept deported nationals, with Trump recently securing Venezuela’s agreement to take back deported Venezuelan criminals.
"To understand how El Salvador's crackdown on gangs has reshaped the country, watch our video: [From the War on Gangs, a New El Salvador Is Born]."
El Salvador’s decision to house violent US criminals marks a significant shift in international immigration policy. While it may serve political interests, legal experts warn of serious legal obstacles, and human rights organizations continue to condemn the harsh conditions in Salvadoran prisons. As the debate unfolds, the controversial agreement will likely face legal challenges and intense global scrutiny.
Source: Various News Agencies