Migration: El Salvador Agrees to Accept Deportees of Any Nationality

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that El Salvador’s President has proposed accepting deportees from the U.S. regardless of nationality, including American criminals incarcerated in the United States. This significant agreement was disclosed during a signing ceremony for a civil nuclear agreement with El Salvador’s foreign minister.

Rubio described the agreement as “unprecedented” and “extraordinary,” emphasizing that President Nayib Bukele is willing to accept violent criminals currently imprisoned in the U.S., even if they are American citizens or legal residents. This offer was made after a lengthy meeting between Rubio and Bukele at the President’s lakeside residence outside San Salvador.

Following Rubio’s statement, a U.S. official clarified that while the Trump administration has no immediate plans to deport American citizens, Bukele’s offer carries considerable weight. The U.S. government faces legal obstacles in deporting American citizens, highlighting the significance of Bukele’s proposal.

Rubio’s visit to El Salvador aimed to urge the government to align with Trump administration objectives regarding immigration enforcement. Migration remained a focal point, as Rubio embarked on a Central American tour covering Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic after visiting Panama and El Salvador.

The U.S. government has been working closely with regional countries to strengthen immigration enforcement and facilitate the repatriation of individuals from the United States. The agreement with El Salvador falls under the “safe third country” arrangement, allowing non-Salvadoran migrants detained in the U.S. to be deported to El Salvador.

While concerns have been raised about El Salvador’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, Rubio emphasized Bukele’s willingness to go beyond accepting violent criminal deportees by also offering to imprison American citizens or legal residents convicted of serious offenses. Opposition groups have criticized this plan, alleging that it could turn the region into a dumping ground for undesirable individuals.

Rubio’s trip coincided with a U.S. foreign assistance freeze, impacting programs targeting illegal migration and crime in Central America. Amid these changes, USAID has transitioned to operate under the State Department, eliciting mixed reactions and legal challenges. Rubio assured that crucial programs would continue, emphasizing the necessity of restructuring the agency for greater accountability.

The visit also involved discussions about China’s involvement in the Panama Canal, with Trump expressing intentions to address Chinese influence in the region. While tensions persist over control of the canal, Rubio remains optimistic that diplomatic efforts will yield positive outcomes in the future.

As Rubio concludes his visit to Central America, the focus remains on addressing migration challenges and strengthening partnerships in the region. The complexities of immigration enforcement, geopolitical dynamics, and foreign assistance underscore the significance of ongoing dialogues and collaborative initiatives.