El Salvador Welcomes Hundreds of Venezuelan Gang Members Amid U.S. Deportation Controversies

The president of El Salvador has confirmed the acceptance of hundreds of Venezuelan gang members who were illegally residing in the United States. This announcement comes as a federal judge in the U.S. has taken steps to block the deportation of these individuals under a wartime law, invoked previously by former President Donald Trump.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele shared on social media that 238 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua have arrived in the country. They were swiftly transported to the CECOT, El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where they will be detained for a renewable period of one year.

Additionally, the U.S. has deported 23 members of the notorious MS-13 gang back to El Salvador, including two of its leaders. Bukele emphasized that one of these individuals is a significant figure within the criminal organization.

Understanding the Gangs Involved

The Tren de Aragua gang has expanded its influence into various U.S. states, including Colorado and Texas. Founded in Venezuela, this gang has gained notoriety for its violent activities. Similarly, MS-13 originated in Los Angeles and has extensive connections to El Salvador, deepening its roots across states like California and Maryland. Recently, the State Department classified both gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.

U.S. Political Landscape and Deportation Developments

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised President Bukele as a vital leader in regional security. He highlighted the return of 2 top MS-13 leaders and 21 other wanted members as significant victories for Salvadoran justice.

Rubio expressed gratitude towards Bukele, stating that the arrangement to hold these gang members in El Salvador’s facilities benefits U.S. taxpayers while providing an effective solution to criminal alien issues.

Legal Controversies Surrounding Deportation Policies

Despite the ongoing deportations, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg recently ruled against the use of wartime powers to carry out these actions. He noted that flights carrying the gang members to El Salvador were actively departing and subsequently ordered their return.

However, the planes had already landed by the time of the judge’s order. President Bukele reacted to the news, playfully stating, “Oopsie… too late,” while sharing a laughing emoji.

El Salvador’s Stance on Accepting Deportees

In a significant move earlier this year, Bukele extended an offer to accept any illegal immigrants facing deportation from the United States. He proposed that his country’s prison system could accommodate these individuals, which, notably, includes the notorious CECOT prison.

Rubio acknowledged Bukele’s offer by saying that not only would he accept deportees, but he also expressed willingness to accept dangerous criminals serving sentences in the U.S., regardless of their citizenship or residency status.

Examining the Conditions of CECOT Prison

CEcot prison, regarded as the nation’s most infamous correctional facility, can accommodate approximately 40,000 inmates. It was specifically designed to house gang members, addressing the needs of a country that previously experienced some of the highest murder rates globally. Following recent reforms, the violence has decreased significantly.

Conditions at CECOT are stringent. Reports indicate that inmates do not receive visitors. They attend hearings virtually, and the facility operates with blocked cell signals to prevent any communication with gang affiliates outside.

Financial Implications and Future Plans

President Bukele disclosed that the United States would incur minimal costs for the deported individuals, whereas the expenses for El Salvador would be significantly higher. However, he emphasized that these arrangements would contribute to making the prison system self-sustainable over time.

He pointed out that over 40,000 inmates participate in various work programs, which aim to generate income that could support the prison’s operations. Currently, maintaining the prison system costs El Salvador $200 million annually.

Bukele concluded by asserting that the fight against organized crime continues. He believes that the collective approach not only advances local security but also reinforces ties with allies while enhancing prison sustainability and gathering critical intelligence. He expressed hope for a safer future for both El Salvador and the United States.

This report includes contributions from Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch.