El Salvador offers to take in U.S. criminals and deported foreign nationals in unique agreement
El Salvador has reached a unique agreement with the U.S. to house violent criminals and deported foreign nationals in its prisons. The deal raises legal and human rights concerns, while also benefiting El Salvador’s prison expansion efforts.
In a historic agreement, El Salvador has committed to accepting deportees from the United States, regardless of their nationality, including violent criminals who are U.S. citizens. The deal, which was announced following a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, marks a significant shift in U.S. deportation policy and raises both opportunities and concerns regarding its implementation.
El Salvador, known for its strict crime policies and expanding prison infrastructure, has agreed to house deported individuals, including convicted felons, in its prison system. In return, the U.S. will pay a fee per inmate as part of the arrangement. While the deal is being hailed as a solution to immigration enforcement challenges, it is also drawing criticism from human rights organizations over potential legal and humanitarian concerns.
What are the details of the U.S.-El Salvador deportation agreement
The agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador includes several key provisions:
- Acceptance of Deportees from the U.S.
El Salvador will receive deported individuals of any nationality, including foreign nationals and U.S. citizens convicted of crimes. - Incarceration in Salvadoran Prisons
Violent offenders and convicted criminals will be placed in El Salvador’s prison system, taking advantage of the country's recently expanded correctional facilities. - Financial Compensation from the U.S.
The U.S. government will pay El Salvador a fee per inmate housed. Officials describe the amount as relatively low for the U.S. but financially beneficial for El Salvador, helping to offset the costs of the country’s prison system. - Legal and Political Implications
The deal has raised serious legal questions, particularly regarding the deportation of U.S. citizens—a move that is unprecedented in U.S. immigration law and may be challenged in court.
Why El Salvador agreed to the deal with the US
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who has cracked down on gang violence and crime, sees the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the U.S. while furthering his domestic security policies.
Since 2022, El Salvador has been under a state of emergency, following a surge in gang-related violence. During this time:
- Over 83,000 individuals have been arrested in the government’s anti-crime crackdown.
- The country’s prisons have expanded, creating additional space for detainees.
- The government has faced criticism for human rights violations, including overcrowding and inhumane prison conditions.
The new agreement with the U.S. leverages El Salvador’s prison expansion efforts while bringing in additional financial resources through the U.S. compensation plan.
What’s next? The future of the U.S.-El Salvador Deal
The deal is set to take effect later this year, but legal challenges are expected, particularly in the U.S. If American citizens are deported under the agreement, courts may intervene to prevent it, citing constitutional violations.
Additionally, as the 2025 political climate evolves, the deal may become a point of debate within the U.S. government, especially if concerns about human rights and legal violations gain traction.
Meanwhile, El Salvador continues to expand its prison system, positioning itself as a key player in international security cooperation with the U.S..