San Salvador: El Salvador has struck a historic agreement with the United States, offering to house violent criminals and accept deportees of any nationality. The deal, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has sparked controversy, with critics warning of human rights violations and legal concerns.
A Deal Unlike Any Other
Rubio officially announced the agreement following his meeting with President Bukele on Monday, highlighting its unprecedented nature and impact on migration policies. He called it the “most unprecedented and extraordinary migratory agreement anywhere in the world.”
Key Points of the Agreement:
- El Salvador will continue accepting deported Salvadoran nationals who entered the US illegally.
- El Salvador will take deported criminals, including gang members.
- El Salvador will hold dangerous US criminals, including citizens.
Bukele confirmed the deal on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.”
He added that this fee would help fund El Salvador’s prison system, making it financially self-sustaining.
Criticism and Legal Concerns
The agreement has alarmed human rights groups and legal experts, who argue that it could violate international migration laws.
Professor Mneesha Gellman, an expert on global politics, called the deal pointing out that it:
- Sends people to a country that is not their place of origin
- Lacks any legal framework under international law.
- It reflects a transactional agreement between two right-wing populists.
Under El Salvador’s harsh emergency laws, authorities can detain anyone suspected of gang ties—even without proof. Critics fear that innocent people could end up jailed under this agreement.
A Prison System Under Scrutiny
Since 2022, El Salvador has operated under a state of emergency to crack down on gang violence. Over 80,000 people have been jailed, making El Salvador the world’s most incarcerated nation.
While Bukele boasts about lower crime rates, groups like Amnesty International warn that thousands may have been wrongfully imprisoned.
With this new US deal, El Salvador’s prison population could increase even further, raising concerns about human rights abuses and overcrowding.
What’s Next?
While the historic agreement strengthens US-El Salvador ties, its legality and ethics remain questioned. The deal will likely face legal challenges, and human rights groups may push back against its implementation.
