nTrump and Bukele Negotiate “Safe Third Country” Agreement to Deport Migrants to El Salvador
President Donald Trump is reportedly in talks with El Salvador’s President nayib Bukele to establish a “Safe Third country” agreement that would allow the United States to deport migrants from third countries to Salvadoran territory. This plan, confirmed by US officials to CBS News on January 26, 2025, aims to address the growing immigration crisis by redirecting asylum seekers to El Salvador instead of the US.
the proposal is especially focused on facilitating the deportation of Venezuelan citizens, a move designed to circumvent the diplomatic challenges posed by the refusal of Nicolás Maduro‘s government to accept repatriations from the United States. Among the most contentious aspects of the plan is the inclusion of alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua,which Trump intends to designate as a “terrorist organization.” While the exact status of deported migrants remains unclear, it is expected that gang members coudl be sent directly to Salvadoran prisons.
During his 2024 election campaign,Trump repeatedly highlighted the tren de Aragua as a critically important threat to Americans,vowing to take decisive action against transnational gangs. This agreement aligns with his broader immigration strategy, which emphasizes stricter border controls and combating organized crime. A similar deal was pursued during Trump’s first term but was ultimately abandoned by the Biden administration. Now, Trump appears steadfast to revive these efforts.
On Friday,the united States Embassy in El Salvador confirmed that Trump and Bukele have held official discussions on the matter. In a statement, the embassy noted, “President Donald J. trump held a call with President Nayib Bukele of the republic of El Salvador. The two leaders discussed working together to stop irregular migration and crack down on transnational gangs like the Tren de Aragua. President Trump also praised President Bukele’s leadership in the region and the example he sets for other nations in the Western Hemisphere.”
Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has lauded the negotiations, describing El Salvador as a key ally in Trump’s renewed immigration strategy. Meanwhile,Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on a regional tour next week,including a visit to El Salvador,to strengthen alliances and advance the discussions between the two leaders.
Key Points of the Agreement
| aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Purpose | Redirect asylum seekers from the US to El Salvador |
| Focus | Deportation of Venezuelan migrants and Tren de aragua members |
| Diplomatic Challenge | Avoids repatriation issues with Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro |
| Gang Designation | Tren de Aragua to be labeled a “terrorist organization” |
| Next Steps | marco Rubio’s regional tour to solidify agreements |
Frequently Asked questions
What does the “Safe Third Country” agreement entail?
The agreement would allow the US to deport migrants from third countries to El Salvador, where they would seek asylum instead of in the US. This aims to alleviate the immigration burden on the US and redistribute asylum requests.
Why is Trump focusing on venezuelan migrants?
Trump’s plan addresses the refusal of Nicolás Maduro’s government to accept repatriations from the US. By deporting Venezuelans through El Salvador, the US avoids direct diplomatic conflicts with Venezuela.
How has el Salvador responded?
President Nayib Bukele has engaged in talks with Trump and has been praised for his regional leadership.While details remain unclear, Bukele appears open to collaboration on immigration and gang-related issues.
What are the potential diplomatic impacts?
The agreement could strain relations with countries unwilling to accept deportees from third nations.Additionally, labeling groups like the Tren de Aragua as terrorists may complicate ties with Venezuela and other nations connected to these organizations.
As negotiations progress, the proposed agreement underscores Trump’s commitment to reshaping US immigration policy and strengthening regional alliances to address complex challenges.