In a dramatic move, the United States has deported more than 250 suspected gang members to El Salvador, where they will be sent to one of the country’s most notorious prisons. The flight carried 238 individuals from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, along with 23 members of MS-13, a notorious gang in El Salvador. The transfer was confirmed by El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, who shared the news on X Sunday morning.
Upon arrival, the prisoners were immediately escorted to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), with footage capturing Salvadoran security forces, heavily armed and ready, meeting the plane on the runway.
The suspects were then transferred by force to armored prison vehicles, bound in chains by guards.
The CECOT has garnered international attention due to its harsh conditions. Reports indicate that prisoners are subjected to forced labor, endure overcrowded cells, and engage in violent, often deadly, confrontations with rival gang members over basic necessities like food and water.
In his statement, Bukele highlighted that, in addition to the Venezuelan gang members, 23 members of MS-13, including two high-ranking leaders, had been deported to El Salvador. “One of them is a member of the criminal organization’s highest structure,” Bukele wrote.
He continued, stating, “This will help us finalize intelligence gathering and go after the last remnants of MS-13, including its former and new members, money, weapons, drugs, hideouts, collaborators, and sponsors.”
Bukele emphasized El Salvador’s dedication to “advancing in the fight against organized crime,” while also noting that the action would strengthen cooperation with allies, make the prison system more self-sustaining, and provide crucial intelligence to ensure the safety of the country. “All in a single action,” he added.
“May God bless El Salvador, and may God bless the United States,” he concluded.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who played a key role in arranging the agreement for El Salvador to house U.S. migrant criminals, expressed his gratitude to Bukele for his “assistance and friendship.”
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