Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s CECOT prison, warning U.S. illegal immigrants of potential deportation consequences. The facility, housing deported Tren de Aragua gang members, reflects efforts by Salvadoran President Bukele to combat crime. Noem’s three-day trip also includes talks in Colombia and Mexico about regional immigration issues.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem conducted a visit to the El Salvador Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), where she observed deported individuals from the United States. During her visit, she issued a stark warning to illegal immigrants residing in the U.S., emphasizing the risks they face if they do not consider self-deportation.
In her statement shared on social media, Noem remarked, “I toured the CECOT, El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center” and further declared a joint message with former President Donald Trump towards criminal illegal aliens: “LEAVE NOW. If you do not leave, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you could end up in this El Salvadorian prison.” This facility is reported to hold up to 40,000 inmates and was established by President Nayib Bukele to detain violent criminals.
Following recent deportations paused by legal action, several members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang are currently housed there. The facility’s operations stem from Bukele’s 2019 election, which marked a significant crackdown on MS-13 gang activity. President Trump is currently navigating legal challenges regarding his use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for expedited deportations.
Noem’s visit is part of a three-day trip through Central and South America, following which she plans to meet with President Bukele. Earlier in February, El Salvador endorsed the return of criminal illegal immigrants from the U.S., including those from Tren de Aragua.
Additionally, Bukele offered to house American citizens and permanent residents with serious criminal convictions in his jails. Experts in border security and immigration have suggested that while El Salvador’s cooperation may appear genuine, it could also serve its own strategic interests. Noem will also visit Colombia and Mexico during her tour, engaging with officials for discussions on related issues.
In conclusion, Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to El Salvador underscores the U.S. government’s firm stance on immigration enforcement. Her warnings to illegal immigrants highlight the potential consequences of remaining in the U.S. without proper documentation. This visit also affirms El Salvador’s role in the repatriation of deported criminals, reflecting broader immigration policy challenges faced by the Biden administration. As Noem engages with Latin American leaders, the outcome of her discussions may shape future immigration cooperation.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
