The recent agreement between the U.S. government and El Salvador has resulted in the deportation of over 200 Venezuelan nationals accused of being part of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. This controversial move has raised questions regarding its financial implications and legal basis.
On Sunday, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of 238 suspected members of the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua, along with 23 members of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
These individuals were deported by the U.S. under an order issued by Donald Trump, who invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act—a law last used during World War II—to justify their expulsion. However, a federal judge suspended the order on Saturday, though the deportation process had already begun.
High-Security Detainment in El Salvador
The deported individuals have been placed in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (Cecot), a high-security prison inaugurated in 2023 as part of Bukele’s crackdown on organized crime. They are expected to remain incarcerated for at least a year.
Cecot is regarded as one of the most secure and strict correctional facilities in Latin America.
Financial Agreement Between the U.S. and El Salvador
One of the primary concerns among American taxpayers is the cost associated with outsourcing incarceration to El Salvador. According to a statement from the White House, the U.S. is paying El Salvador approximately $6 million to cover the costs of detaining the deported criminals.
This translates to about $25,000 per detainee—roughly 43% less than the average cost of holding a prisoner in a U.S. facility. The Trump administration has framed this agreement as a cost-effective alternative that reduces the financial burden on American taxpayers while addressing national security concerns.
U.S. Classification of Criminal Organizations
In February, the U.S. officially designated Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and six Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
The Trump administration justified the mass deportation by declaring these groups as “foreign enemies” under the Alien Enemies Act, a law enacted more than two centuries ago. The classification allows for expedited removal of individuals associated with these organizations.
Ongoing Legal and Political Implications
While the agreement with El Salvador continues to unfold, the legal basis for these deportations remains contested.
The suspension of the deportation order by a federal judge signals potential legal challenges ahead. However, the Trump administration insists that the deal provides both economic and security benefits, reinforcing its hardline stance on crime and immigration.
The developments surrounding this agreement will likely remain a focal point of international debate as both the U.S. and El Salvador navigate the complexities of crime, immigration policy, and financial accountability.