El Salvador has struck an unprecedented agreement with the United States to accept deportees of any nationality, including violent criminals who are US citizens. This groundbreaking deal, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, has alarmed critics and rights groups. It is part of the Trump administration's ambitious agenda on migration. Rubio unveiled the agreement following a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who confirmed it via social media.
The accord stipulates that El Salvador will continue to accept Salvadoran deportees who entered the US illegally. However, the agreement goes further by including deportees from any nationality, even those currently imprisoned in the US. Rubio’s recent visit to Central America aims to advance the Trump administration's migration policies, focusing on nations like El Salvador.
“In an act of extraordinary friendship to our country … (El Salvador) has agreed to the most unprecedented and extraordinary migratory agreement anywhere in the world,” – Marco Rubio
The deal has raised concerns among critics and rights organizations. They argue that accepting deported criminals, including violent offenders, may pose significant risks to El Salvador. Despite these worries, President Bukele has defended the agreement, stating that the cost for the United States would be minor compared to the benefits for El Salvador.
“We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.” – Nayib Bukele
“The fee would be relatively low for the U.S. but significant for us, making our entire prison system sustainable,” – Nayib Bukele
Rubio highlighted the significance of the deal by referencing two notorious gangs, MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. He commended Bukele for his willingness to accept deportees of any nationality who are criminally involved.
“accept for deportation any illegal alien in the United States who is a criminal from any nationality, be they MS-13 or Tren de Aragua and house them in his jails,” – Marco Rubio
The agreement involves housing dangerous American criminals, including US citizens and legal residents, in Salvadoran jails.
“has offered to house in his jails dangerous American criminals in custody in our country, including those of US citizenship and legal residents,” – Marco Rubio
