US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently praised El Salvador’s proposal to accept American criminals sentenced for violent crimes, calling it “very generous,” while acknowledging potential legal complications due to Constitutional considerations. This agreement, made with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, would allow the deportation of US citizens and legal residents convicted of serious offences to the Central American nation, which would then house them in its prisons.
While emphasising the uniqueness of this offer, Rubio highlighted that the ultimate decision rests with President Donald Trump’s administration, which faces turbulent changes domestically. Amidst a significant reorganisation of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and ongoing cuts to foreign aid, Rubio’s visit encompasses discussions on immigration and the potential restructuring of USAID.
Despite its challenging prison conditions, reflected in reports of overcrowding and inadequate facilities, El Salvador has seen a dramatic decrease in crime rates, which has boosted Bukele’s popularity. The discussion around the deportation offer arises amid El Salvador’s ongoing state of emergency, linked to a crackdown on gangs and crime, highlighting the complexities and risks in such diplomatic engagements. Overall, Rubio’s trip illustrates the intertwining issues of immigration policy and foreign aid in the broader context of US-Latin American relations.