El Salvador has extended an offer to accept “dangerous criminals” currently incarcerated in American prisons, including individuals who hold US citizenship, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following a meeting with President Nayib Bukele during his visit to the Central American nation, Rubio expressed the US’s “profound gratitude,” noting that “no country has ever made such a gesture of friendship.” Additionally, El Salvador will agree to deport migrants of any nationality who are criminals and residing unlawfully in the United States, as stated by the Secretary of State. Rubio commended Bukele for his effective measures against gang violence, which have significantly lowered crime rates in El Salvador—previously known as the murder capital of the world—though these actions have faced criticism from human rights organizations.
Rubio informed the press that the individual in question has proposed to detain dangerous American criminals within his country’s jails, including those who are US citizens or legal residents. “We are extremely appreciative of this offer. I discussed it with President Trump earlier today,” he stated.
This marks Rubio’s inaugural overseas trip as the top US diplomat, during which he aims to reinforce the priorities of the Trump administration in the region. He has called on Panama to implement “immediate changes” regarding what he describes as China’s “influence and control” over the Panama Canal.
Rubio noted that Bukele is prepared to accept back citizens from El Salvador, as well as migrants from other nations, indicating a particular emphasis on Latin American gang members, including groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has concentrated on accelerating the deportation of undocumented migrants, pledging “mass deportations.” In related efforts, additional active-duty troops have been deployed to strengthen the US-Mexico border, and the president has pursued an executive order to suspend the processing of migrants and asylum seekers.
Bukele indicated to journalists that his proposal regarding prisons extends beyond a 2019 agreement concerning the acceptance of migrants. In a post on X, he mentioned that he had presented the United States with an opportunity to “outsource part of its prison system.” “We are prepared to accept only convicted criminals (including those convicted in the US) into our mega-prison… in return for a fee.”
Bukele, who previously served as the mayor of San Salvador, first came to power in 2019 with a commitment to usher in a “new era” for El Salvador, combat gang violence and corruption, and improve relations with the United States. His popularity surged following a crackdown on crime and gangs, transforming El Salvador from the murder capital of the world into one of the safest countries in the region. During his initial term, his administration conducted extensive arrests of individuals suspected of gang involvement. Approximately 75,000 people have been detained under emergency measures that have been continuously renewed, raising concerns among human rights organizations. Amnesty International has condemned the “gradual replacement of gang violence with state violence” in the nation.
