The president Donald Trump raised the possibility this Monday of deporting American citizens deemed violent offenders, an idea that has raised concerns in legal and human rights circles due to its potential unconstitutionality.
During a meeting in the Oval Office with the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, Trump stated:
"I would like to take it a step further. I told Pam [Bondi, Attorney General], I don't know what the laws are; we always have to obey the laws, but we also have homegrown criminals who shove people in the subway, who strike elderly women in the back of the head with a baseball bat when they're not looking, who are absolute monsters."
The president indicated that Attorney General Pam Bondi "is studying" the legal possibility of this measure.
Experts -cited by CNN- believe that the idea would constitute a direct violation of the constitutional right of American citizens not to be expelled from their own country.
The suggestion was presented in the context of bilateral cooperation with El Salvador for receiving deportees.
"I would like to include them in the group of people to take them out of the country, but you will have to keep an eye on the laws regarding this, Steve, okay?", added Trump, addressing his advisor Stephen Miller.
The president's argument is that he does not believe American criminals should be considered different from immigrant criminals.
"Why, do you think they are a special category of people? They are just as bad as anyone who comes in," he said.
It is not the first time the president has revealed this intention; he did so at the end of January, shortly after taking office. On that occasion, he anticipated that payment would be made to any country willing to accept American criminals.
Mass deportations and Salvadoran prisons
The statements made this Monday were part of a broader alliance with the Bukele government, through which El Salvador agrees to accept individuals deported from the United States, regardless of their nationality.
Trump praised the punitive approach of the Salvadoran leader, stating that he does a "great job" in managing prisoners, and that this cooperation allows the United States to operate "with less money and with great security."
It also revealed having personally requested Bukele to expand his prison infrastructure.
The White House Deputy Secretary, Stephen Miller, emphasized this point by stating that "there is no maximum limit" for deportations under the agreement, and that they will continue to send "foreign terrorists" and alleged members of gangs such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Trump's Deportation Proposal
What is Donald Trump's proposal regarding the deportation of American citizens?
Donald Trump proposes the possibility of deporting American citizens deemed violent offenders. This idea has sparked controversy due to its potential unconstitutionality, as American citizens have a constitutional right not to be expelled from their own country.
Which countries could receive deported American criminals?
El Salvador has been mentioned as a possible destination for deported American criminals. The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, has expressed his willingness to accept these convicts in exchange for a fee, which would allow the United States to reduce costs in its prison system.
How could this proposal affect the relations between the United States and El Salvador?
The cooperation between the United States and El Salvador could be strengthened, as both countries have signed agreements for the reception of deported criminals and have worked together in the fight against organized crime. However, the implementation of these measures could create tensions if future U.S. administrations view these practices as a threat to human rights.
What impact would the deportation of American criminals have on El Salvador's prison system?
The impact on the Salvadoran prison system would include an increase in the number of inmates, which could require the expansion of prison infrastructure. However, El Salvador would receive financial compensations for the custody of these criminals, which could make its prison system sustainable.
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