El Salvador has offered to receive deported criminals from the US, including those with US citizenship, and incarcerate them in its mega-jail. The agreement was disclosed after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele during his visit to the Central American nation.
Bukele, known for his strict stance on gangs which has garnered him praise from voters but drawn criticism from human rights organizations, stated that he presented the US with the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system.
Rubio expressed gratitude, saying, No country has ever made an offer of friendship like this." He explained, "El Salvador has proposed accommodating dangerous American criminals, including those with US citizenship and legal residency, in their jails.
Additionally, El Salvador has offered to take in deported individuals, irrespective of nationality, clarifying that this includes members of gangs like MS-13 or Tren de Aragua.
Bukele confirmed the proposal, stating, We are open to receiving convicted criminals, including US citizens, in our mega-prison (CECOT) for a fee, emphasizing that the fee, while reasonable for the US, would be significant for El Salvador, ensuring the prison's sustainability.
Since assuming office in 2019, Bukele has prioritized combating crime, exemplified by the inauguration of Cecot [Terrorism Confinement Centre], a high-security facility intended to house the most violent gang members.
Although the treatment of inmates at Cecot has faced criticism from rights groups due to overcrowding and harsh conditions, Bukele's crime crackdown has been widely supported by the majority of Salvadorans who feel safer without gang threats.
Nevertheless, some families of the thousands detained under Bukele's emergency measures claim wrongful arrests during sweeping police operations.
Amnesty International has voiced concern about the escalation of state violence, contrasting it with gang violence. Bukele, unfazed by the criticism, notes his tough stance on crime led to a significant re-election victory.
El Salvador marked the second leg of Secretary of State Rubio's inaugural international tour, with upcoming discussions in Costa Rica and Guatemala focusing on migration and countering Chinese influence in the region.