Former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a proposal from El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele to outsource U.S. prisoners to the Central American nation. The offer, which includes housing deported criminals and even American citizens, has been described as “unprecedented and extraordinary” by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Bukele’s Proposal
President Bukele has suggested that El Salvador take in convicted criminals from the U.S. and hold them in the country’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a high-security prison designed for dangerous offenders. In return, Bukele is seeking a fee from Washington, which he claims would be affordable for the U.S. but significant enough to sustain El Salvador’s prison system.
What is the CECOT?
The Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), located in Tecoluca, is a 23-hectare mega-prison built in 2022 as part of El Salvador’s harsh crackdown on gang violence. It cost $115 million to construct and has a maximum capacity of 40,000 inmates. However, as of August 2024, it housed only 14,500 prisoners, potentially leaving room for U.S. detainees.
Despite its high-security status, El Salvador’s prison system has faced international criticism over alleged human rights abuses, harsh conditions, and reports of torture.
Is It Legal to Send U.S. Citizens to El Salvador?
Trump has expressed interest in the idea, stating, “If we had the legal right to do it, I would do it in a heartbeat.” However, legal experts argue that deporting U.S. citizens would be unconstitutional.
- ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt told NPR that removing American citizens from the country would likely violate constitutional protections.
- The U.S. could hypothetically deport non-citizens to a third country, but such an arrangement would require complex legal and diplomatic negotiations.
- Human rights groups warn that sending prisoners to El Salvador raises serious ethical and legal concerns.
The proposal remains under discussion, with no official agreement in place. However, if pursued, it could spark significant legal battles and international debate.
