El Salvador Agrees to Accept Violent Criminals Deported from U.S. after Meeting with Marco Rubio

3 Min Read

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed El Salvador on Tuesday after he received an agreement from the country’s president to accept deportees from the United States, regardless of nationality, including violent criminals currently imprisoned in the U.S.

- Advertisement -

The Associated Press reports President Nayib Bukele has committed to what Rubio described as an “unprecedented and extraordinary” migration agreement. Following an extended discussion at Bukele’s residence outside San Salvador on Monday night, Rubio stated that El Salvador would take in migrants of all backgrounds detained in the U.S. and provide prison space for dangerous criminals serving sentences, even if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents.

Rubio’s visit aimed to encourage El Salvador, a key U.S. ally, to intensify efforts in meeting President Donald Trump’s demand for stronger immigration enforcement.

Bukele confirmed the arrangement in a post on X, revealing that El Salvador had proposed to assist the U.S. by accommodating part of its prison population. He emphasized that only “convicted criminals” would be accepted and noted that the arrangement would generate revenue for El Salvador while keeping costs manageable for the U.S., ensuring the financial sustainability of its prison system.

Elon Musk, the billionaire collaborating with Trump on governmental reforms, endorsed the idea on X, calling it a “great idea!!”

- Advertisement -

Despite Rubio’s announcement, a U.S. official later clarified that the Trump administration had no immediate plans to deport American citizens but acknowledged the significance of Bukele’s offer. The deportation of American citizens would likely face considerable legal challenges.

The State Department has described El Salvador’s prison conditions as “harsh and dangerous,” highlighting issues such as inadequate sanitation, potable water, ventilation, temperature control, and lighting.

The AP notes that since March 2022, El Salvador has been under a state of emergency following a surge in gang violence. Bukele responded with a crackdown that suspended fundamental legal protections, resulting in over 83,000 arrests with limited due process. In 2023, he opened a massive prison capable of housing 40,000 inmates, where prisoners receive one meal per day, have no access to visitors, and lack rehabilitation programs.

Once considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world, El Salvador recorded just 114 homicides last year, significantly improving security and bolstering Bukele’s popularity among the nation’s 6 million residents.

Rubio arrived in San Salvador after observing a U.S.-funded deportation flight transporting 43 migrants from Panama to Colombia. His visit followed a strong warning to Panama that unless the government acted swiftly to remove China’s influence over the Panama Canal, the U.S. would take action.

Migration remained the central focus of Rubio’s trip, which includes stops in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic after visiting Panama and El Salvador.

Leave a Comment

This will close in 20 seconds