The president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, publicly thanked his Salvadoran counterpart Nayib Bukele for welcoming a new group of criminals deported from U.S. territory to El Salvador.
"Thank you, President Bukele of El Salvador, for welcoming the criminals whom Joe Biden's corrupt administration so stupidly allowed to enter our country and for giving them such a wonderful place to live!" wrote Trump, in an ironic tone and with clear criticism of his predecessor's administration.
The message was issued through Bukele's X account in response to his announcement regarding the deportation of 17 extremely dangerous criminals linked to the Tren de Aragua and MS-13, including six child rapists.
"This operation is another step in the fight against terrorism and organized crime," emphasized the Salvadoran politician.
The operation was carried out jointly by U.S. and Salvadoran military forces, as part of the bilateral cooperation policy that has been strengthening in recent years.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as a success in terms of security and the fight against transnational crime.
Rubio highlighted that the designation of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" during Trump's presidency has enabled the implementation of more aggressive and effective strategies to combat their influence.
"These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens," he emphasized in an official statement.
Relationship at its best
Recently, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, visited the Terrorist Detention Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, where hundreds of gang members deported in previous operations remain detained.
From there, Noem delivered a strong message to undocumented immigrants: "Do not come to our country illegally. You will be expelled and prosecuted."
The relationship between both governments has strengthened particularly since El Salvador began receiving large groups of deported criminals.
In mid-March, 238 members of the Tren de Aragua were transferred to the CECOT as part of a cooperation agreement. According to Bukele, El Salvador receives financial compensation for the custody of these criminals.
Trump and he confirmed a bilateral meeting at the White House for April, which will acknowledge the Salvadoran president's collaboration in the fight against organized crime.
This relationship, characterized by a tough discourse against crime and irregular migration, seems to solidify with each new joint operation, as the United States continues to outsource its fight against the most dangerous gangs in the region to Salvadoran territory.
Frequently asked questions about the deportation of criminals to El Salvador and the cooperation between Trump and Bukele
Why did Trump thank Bukele for taking in deportees?
Trump thanked Bukele for receiving the deported criminals as part of a joint operation between the United States and El Salvador. Trump criticized Joe Biden's administration for allowing these criminals to enter the U.S. and emphasized Bukele's collaboration in the fight against organized crime.
Which criminal groups were deported to El Salvador?
The deportees include members of the criminal organizations Tren de Aragua and MS-13, designated as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations" by the Trump administration. Among them were murderers and rapists, considered high profile and highly dangerous.
How does welcoming these criminals benefit El Salvador?
El Salvador receives financial compensation for the custody of deported criminals. This collaboration also strengthens bilateral relations with the United States and is part of a security strategy that has reduced violence rates in the country.
What is the United States' stance on the fight against transnational crime?
The United States qualifies the operation as a success in the fight against transnational crime. The collaboration with El Salvador is seen as a key element in combating the influence of criminal groups on U.S. territory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Filed under:
