El Salvador’s Bold Offer: Accepting Deportees and Violent Criminals from the U.S.
The relationship between Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele continues to strengthen, as evidenced by the recent agreement brokered by Marco Rubio during his visit to El Salvador. The deal, which has sparked both praise and controversy, involves El Salvador accepting deportees from the United States, including violent criminals of any nationality.
“No country has made us an offer of friendship like this,” Rubio stated,highlighting the unprecedented nature of the agreement. Under the terms, El Salvador will not only repatriate its own undocumented citizens but also house foreign convicts, including members of the notorious aragua Train gang and even American criminals.Bukele has offered the use of the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), a maximum-security megaprison with a capacity for 40,000 inmates. In exchange, the U.S. will pay a ”rate” that, while relatively low, is deemed “significant” for sustaining El Salvador’s penitentiary system.
The Hidden Details Behind the “tariff”
The “rate” mentioned by Bukele raises questions about the true nature of the agreement. José Marinero, a lawyer and public policy expert, suggests that the deal may involve more than just financial considerations. he points to the ongoing prosecution of MS-13 gang leaders in the U.S., whose deportation could expose evidence of past negotiations between Bukele’s government and gangs.
“Before a judge, these individuals could expose evidence that proves the Salvadoran government, under Bukele, negotiated deals with gangs,” Marinero explained. Additionally, the agreement may pave the way for more favorable treatment of Salvadorans residing in the U.S., according to an anonymous political scientist.
Bukele’s Controversial Security Policies
The agreement underscores U.S. support for Bukele’s hardline security policies, which have substantially reduced crime in el Salvador. Since 2022, the country has operated under an exception regime, a state policy aimed at combating gangs and violence.
“Rubio’s agreement with El Salvador highlights the progress made in public security,” said Luis Contreras, a political advisor. “If the U.S. sends criminals to the CECOT, it’s because they trust that they will not escape.”
Though, critics argue that the justice system in El Salvador lacks independence. Tamara Taraciuk of The Dialog notes, “in El Salvador, justice is not independent, and the criminal system has detained tens of thousands without legal certainty that all have committed crimes.”
Human Rights Concerns
El Salvador already receives nationals deported from the U.S. for both criminal and immigration violations. Though, accepting foreign criminals represents a significant escalation.
“Receiving criminals from other countries goes far beyond being a safe third country,” Marinero warns. “It will overload an already saturated prison system and could lead to greater human rights violations.”
Taraciuk adds,”Mixing hardened criminals with those who were not properly investigated creates a breeding ground for further criminal activity.”
A Strategic win for Trump
Beyond the criminal justice implications, the agreement serves as a media victory for Trump. “Sending a few thousand people to Bukele’s prison won’t reduce crime or illegal migration,” Taraciuk observes. “But it allows trump to showcase his management’s effectiveness in ‘cleaning’ the country of illegal criminals and migrants.”
Nuclear Energy Cooperation
During Rubio’s visit, the U.S. and El Salvador also signed a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy, aimed at “promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation.” This aligns with bukele’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and geopolitical dependency.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Agreement | El Salvador to accept deportees and violent criminals from the U.S. |
| Facility | CECOT, a maximum-security prison with 40,000 capacity |
| Economic Consideration | U.S.to pay a “rate” to sustain El Salvador’s penitentiary system |
| Human Rights Concerns | Risk of prison overcrowding and violations |
| Strategic Impact | Boosts Trump’s image; supports Bukele’s security policies |
| Nuclear Cooperation | Agreement to promote peaceful nuclear energy initiatives |
This landmark deal between the U.S. and El Salvador marks a significant shift in international relations and criminal justice policies, raising both hopes and concerns for the future.
