Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s largest prison, warning illegal immigrants in the U.S. about potential deportation. The prison holds members of the Tren de Aragua gang and reflects a broader cooperation between the U.S. and El Salvador on immigration issues. Noem’s trip includes meetings with leaders in Colombia and Mexico, highlighting ongoing immigration and border security challenges.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited the El Salvador Terrorism Confinement Center, the world’s largest prison, where deported illegal immigrants from the United States are held. In her statement, Noem warned that individuals residing illegally in the U.S. could face deportation to this facility if they do not choose to self-deport.
During her visit, which took place on a three-day trip to Central and South America, Noem toured the prison, which has the capacity to hold up to 40,000 inmates. She emphasized the message alongside former President Trump: “LEAVE NOW. If you do not leave, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you could end up in this El Salvadorian prison.”
The facility was created by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele specifically to detain violent criminals, particularly focusing on members of the notorious MS-13 gang following Bukele’s election in 2019. Currently, it houses members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, which are among those deported from the U.S. after recent court orders paused further deportation flights.
Noem’s discussions included meeting with President Bukele following her prison tour. Furthermore, in early February, El Salvador reached an agreement to accept deported criminal illegal immigrants from various nationalities, including gang members from Venezuela. Bukele’s plan also extends to housing U.S. citizens and permanent residents convicted of serious crimes in Salvadoran jails.
As part of her itinerary, Noem plans to meet key figures in Colombia, including Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia and President Gustavo Petro, before concluding her visit in Mexico with President Claudia Sheinbaum. Her trip follows a February congressional delegation led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna to El Salvador, highlighting ongoing immigration and border security issues.
In summary, Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to El Salvador underscores the U.S. government’s firm stance on illegal immigration. With warnings directed towards criminal illegal aliens, she highlights the potential consequences of remaining in the U.S. unlawfully. The collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador aims not only to address rising gang violence but also holds implications for broader immigration policy. As discussions continue with regional leaders, addressing the complexities of criminal deportations and border security remains crucial.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
