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El Salvador Strikes Controversial Deal to House US Criminals and Foreign Deportees

El Salvador has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the US government, under which it will house violent US criminals and deportees of any nationality. Announced on Monday, this unprecedented deal has drawn sharp criticism from various rights organizations and legal experts.

Key Details of the Agreement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed the pact after meeting Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. According to Rubio, the deal solidifies a strong friendship and emphasizes a unique migratory agreement between the two nations. El Salvador commits to accepting both Salvadoran deportees and illegal aliens from any country who have been convicted of crimes. This includes notorious gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.

In a significant move, Bukele also offered to house dangerous American criminals, including US citizens and legal residents, in his country’s jails. The agreement specifies that El Salvador will receive a fee for hosting these deportees, making the arrangement financially sustainable for the Central American country.

Technical and Financial Implications

Bukele confirmed the agreement on his social media platform, X, stating, “We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.” He added that the fee would be relatively low for the US but significant for El Salvador, ensuring the prison system remains operational.

Legal and Ethical Debates

The legality of deporting US nationals remains a concern, casting doubt on whether the US government will proceed with the agreement. Rights groups have strongly condemned the move, warning that it could undermine international standards and human rights.

Roman Palomares, National President and Chairman of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), criticized the deal, asserting that it treats deported non-criminal migrants like “cattle.” He emphasized that these individuals are human beings and should be treated with dignity.

Gellman, an international politics scholar, characterized the arrangement as a “bizarre and unprecedented proposal” between two authoritarian leaders aiming for a transactional relationship. He stressed that the deal likely violates several international laws related to migrants’ rights.

One notable aspect of the deal is that Salvadoran law does not differentiate between alleged gang members and individuals convicted of crimes. Under the state of emergency declared since 2022, authorities can detain anyone suspected of gang membership. This raises significant ethical and legal concerns, especially given that human rights organizations report many innocent individuals being jailed.

US-El Salvador Relations and Trump Administration’s Immigration Policy

This controversial deal aligns with the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration and border security. Since taking office, Trump has frequently emphasized the threat posed by violent transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, deploying the US military to disrupt their operations.

In January, Trump signed an executive order specifically naming MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, accusing them of violence in the US and internationally. The State Department is also considering designating Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization.

The US special envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone, hinted at the agreement during a media briefing, noting that gang members who flee to Venezuela prefer not to be imprisoned alongside Salvadoran criminals. Claver-Carone emphasized how President Bukele could assist in US efforts to combat gang activity.

Broader Context of Immigration Crackdown

The agreement comes amid a wave of immigration enforcement actions within the US. The Trump administration has been aggressively arresting and detaining undocumented immigrants and removing protections for existing migrants. This includes the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) for 348,000 Venezuelans residing in the US.

The State Department’s travel advisory for El Salvador warns about harsh prison conditions and a lack of due process for inmates. Critics argue that housing violent criminals, including US citizens, in such conditions is morally questionable and potentially illegal.

Conclusion

While President Bukele presents the deal as a friendship act and financial boon for El Salvador, critics caution against its legality and ethical implications. The agreement highlights the complex interplay between national security policies and human rights, particularly in the context of immigration enforcement.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the US government will ratify the agreement and the extent to which El Salvador’s prison system can sustainably manage these deportees. The international community will closely monitor this development, as it sets a precedent for future deals involving immigrant deportations.

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