El Salvador takes in hundreds of Venezuelan gang members from US, even as judge moves to block deportations

El Salvador Accepts Deported Venezuelan Gang Members Amid U.S. Legal Battle

The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, recently announced that his country has accepted hundreds of Venezuelan gang members deported from the United States. This move comes as a U.S. judge attempted to block the deportations under a wartime law invoked by President Donald Trump. On Sunday morning, Bukele shared on X (formerly Twitter) that 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua had arrived in El Salvador. These individuals were immediately transferred to CECOT, the country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where they will be held for at least one year, with the possibility of extension. Additionally, Bukele revealed that the U.S. had also sent 23 members of the notorious MS-13 gang, including two high-ranking leaders wanted by Salvadoran authorities.

Both Tren de Aragua and MS-13 are designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department. Tren de Aragua, with ties to Venezuela, has infiltrated communities in U.S. states such as Colorado and Texas, while MS-13, originally founded in Los Angeles, has deep roots in California, Maryland, and other parts of the U.S. The deportation of these gang members marks a significant step in the collaboration between El Salvador and the U.S. to combat organized crime.

AControversial Deportations Spark Legal and Political Debate

The deportations took place despite a legal challenge in the U.S. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued an order on Saturday barring the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport illegal immigrants. The law, which allows the deportation of nationals or citizens of an enemy nation without a hearing, has been invoked only three times in U.S. history—during the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. Judge Boasberg’s ruling came in response to Trump’s decision to target Tren de Aragua members under the act. However, the planes carrying the gang members had already departed for El Salvador by the time the order was issued.

In response to the judge’s ruling, Bukele posted a playful yet defiant message on X, saying, “Oopsie… too late,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. This exchange highlights the tension between the U.S. judiciary and the executive branch, as well as El Salvador’s willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

El Salvador’s Offer to Accept Deportees Strengthens U.S. Ties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Bukele for his cooperation, calling him “the strongest security leader in our region” and “a great friend of the U.S.” Rubio highlighted the significance of the deportations, noting that the U.S. had sent back two top MS-13 leaders and 21 of its most wanted members, as well as 250 Tren de Aragua members. He emphasized that El Salvador had agreed to house these individuals in its prisons at a “fair price,” which would not only save U.S. taxpayer dollars but also support the self-sustainability of El Salvador’s prison system.

Bukele first offered to accept illegal immigrants facing deportation in February, proposing to house them in El Salvador’s notorious prisons. Rubio noted that Bukele had even offered to take in dangerous criminals serving sentences in the U.S., including U.S. citizens and legal residents. This arrangement underscores El Salvador’s commitment to combating organized crime and its strategic alliance with the U.S.

El Salvador’s Notorious CECOT Prison: A Key Player in the Deportation Plan

The deported gang members are being held at CECOT, El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, which is known as one of the most secure and austere prisons in the region. Designed to house gang members, CECOT can hold up to 40,000 inmates and is equipped with strict security measures to prevent communication between prisoners and criminal networks outside the facility. Prisoners are barred from receiving visitors, can only attend court hearings virtually, and are cut off from cell signals to ensure they cannot coordinate with other criminals.

Bukele highlighted the economic and strategic benefits of housing deported gang members, stating that the U.S. would pay a “very low fee” for their detention. He also pointed out that the arrangement would contribute to the self-sustainability of El Salvador’s prison system, which currently costs $200 million annually to operate. In addition to generating revenue, the arrangement allows El Salvador to gain vital intelligence on criminal organizations, further enhancing its own security efforts.

Nayib Bukele’s Vision for Security and Collaboration

Bukele framed the deportation effort as part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime while strengthening El Salvador’s alliance with the U.S. He emphasized that the move was a testament to his country’s commitment to advancing security and fostering international cooperation. “As always, we continue advancing in the fight against organized crime,” he said. “But this time, we are also helping our allies, making our prison system self-sustainable, and obtaining vital intelligence to make our country an even safer place. All in a single action.”

The collaboration reflects Bukele’s proactive approach to addressing the root causes of crime and violence, both within El Salvador and across borders. By working with the U.S. to deport gang members, he aims to disrupt criminal networks and create a safer environment for Salvadoran citizens. At the same time, the arrangement benefits the U.S. by alleviating the burden of housing and prosecuting dangerous criminals.

Conclusion: A New Era of Security Cooperation?

The deportation of Venezuelan and Salvadoran gang members to El Salvador marks a new chapter in the country’s efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen its international alliances. While the legal challenges in the U.S. highlight the complexities of using wartime-era laws to address modern immigration issues, El Salvador’s willingness to cooperate offers a pragmatic solution for both nations.

For El Salvador, the arrangement not only bolsters its reputation as a regional security leader but also provides economic and strategic benefits. For the U.S., it offers a way to deport dangerous criminals while maintaining a collaborative relationship with a key ally in Central America. As both countries navigate the challenges of immigration, crime, and diplomacy, this partnership may set a precedent for future cooperation in addressing shared security threats.