The United States has deported more than 250 suspected gang members to El Salvador, where they were immediately transferred to the country’s infamous Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).
Oopsie…
Too late pic.twitter.com/nDHL6deLJq
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 16, 2025
Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed the deportation on Sunday, writing on X that the flight included 238 members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, along with 23 members of MS-13.
Video footage from the arrival showed dozens of heavily armed Salvadoran commandos meeting the plane on the tarmac.
The suspects, bound in chains, were then escorted by guards into armored prison transports before being taken to the high-security facility.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
CECOT, known for its strict conditions, has gained international attention in recent years.
Reports indicate that inmates are subjected to forced labor, housed in overcrowded cells, and face violent confrontations over food and water.
The facility was built as part of Bukele’s broader crackdown on organized crime in the country.
In addition to the Tren de Aragua members, the deportation included 23 MS-13 members wanted in El Salvador, among them two high-ranking figures in the gang.
MORE NEWS: Teen Girl Breaks Down Crying Over Trans in Locker Room, School Board Tries to Silence Her [WATCH]
Bukele highlighted the significance of one of the detainees, stating, “One of them is a member of the criminal organization’s highest structure.”
The Salvadoran president framed the mass transfer as part of a larger strategy to dismantle gang operations within the country.
“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 said.
He further emphasized El Salvador’s ongoing efforts in combatting organized crime, stating, “But this time, we are also helping our allies, making our prison system self-sustainable, and obtaining vital intelligence to make our country an even safer place. All in a single action.”
He concluded his statement with, “May God bless El Salvador, and may God bless the United States.”
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
The transfer comes as part of an agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador to house criminal migrants.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who played a role in brokering the deal, expressed gratitude for Bukele’s cooperation.
“Thank you for your assistance and friendship,” Rubio said.
El Salvador has been aggressive in its efforts to eliminate gang activity within its borders, and the mass deportation of suspected criminals aligns with Bukele’s broader anti-gang policies.
The move also signals deeper collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador in addressing transnational crime.
CNN just got a rare look at El Salvador’s gang prison. This is why homicides are down 92%.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 15, 2024
Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.