Donald Trump has once again proposed the idea of incarcerating U.S. citizens in El Salvador’s harsh prison system, this time while meeting with President Nayib Bukele at the White House.
Bukele had previously agreed to house deported immigrants in a notorious Salvadoran facility known for abuse and overcrowding.
Ahead of their meeting, Trump suggested that “homegrown” criminals in the U.S. should be sent to these prisons, calling for the construction of additional facilities. He expressed support for sending U.S. criminals, including those convicted of violent crimes, to El Salvador, citing cost savings and security benefits.
Trump said he had discussed the matter with Attorney General Pam Bondi, emphasizing that there are many dangerous criminals in the U.S. who could be sent abroad. However, legal experts have pointed out that this idea has no legal foundation, as U.S. citizens cannot be deported to serve time in foreign prisons without Congressional approval, and it would likely violate constitutional rights. Furthermore, both Trump and Bukele have resisted returning a wrongfully deported Maryland man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite a Supreme Court ruling demanding his return. The case continues to unfold, with legal challenges pending.
