Bukele's prison strategy expands: El Salvador takes in criminals from U.S.

El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele, has deployed a strict strategy against criminal gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18. This approach, known as the "Territorial Control Plan," was strengthened after an outbreak of violence claimed 87 lives in March 2022. The government declared a state of emergency, leading to mass arrests of suspected gang members and the suspension of certain fundamental rights. A [...]

A key element of this policy was the construction of the Center for the Control of Terrorism (CECOT), a large-scale prison that opened in January 2023 with space for 40,000 inmates. This institution was built to relieve overcrowded prisons and accommodate the thousands of individuals detained during anti-gang operations.

In a special twist, the U.S. and El Salvador have reached an agreement under which El Salvador will accept prisoners from the Americas, including U.S. citizens and legally resident aliens convicted of serious crimes. These prisoners will be housed in facilities such as CECOT. The agreement was officially announced following a conversation between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Bukele. According to Bukele, this arrangement contributes to the sustainability of the Salvadoran prison system.

On March 16, 2025, the first group of more than 250 alleged gang members arrived in El Salvador, mostly from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and MS-13. This transfer took place despite a U.S. court order temporarily halting such deportations. The U.S. government invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify these deportations, causing legal and ethical debates.

Critics, including human rights groups, have raised concerns about the situation in CECOT, particularly overcrowding and alleged human rights violations. Nevertheless, Bukele's crackdown remains popular among the Salvadoran people, as the murder rate has dropped significantly and there is a greater sense of security in the country.

This cooperation between the US and El Salvador marks a new phase in the international fight against organized crime and highlights the complex balancing act between national security and human rights.

Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country. They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable).

The United States will pay a very low fee for them,... pic.twitter.com/tfsi8cgpD6

- Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 16, 2025