President Donald Trump is reportedly in discussions with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to establish a deal that would allow the United States to deport migrants from third countries to El Salvador. According to American officials, who spoke to CBS News on Sunday, January 26, 2025, this initiative is part of a potential "Safe Third Country" agreement, preventing these migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S.
The proposal is said to be particularly aimed at facilitating the deportation of Venezuelan citizens, thereby sidestepping diplomatic tensions with Nicolás Maduro's government which has refused to accept repatriations from the U.S. One of the more controversial elements of this plan includes the prospect of deporting alleged members of the Venezuelan criminal gang, Tren de Aragua, who Trump plans to designate as a "terrorist organization."
Currently, the status of the deported migrants in El Salvador remains unclear, although it is anticipated that gang members might be incarcerated in the Central American country. During his 2024 election campaign, Trump accused this organization of committing numerous crimes against Americans, underscoring his pledge to take decisive action against international gangs.
The White House had previously attempted a similar agreement with El Salvador during Trump's first term, but it was never finalized and was subsequently abandoned by the Biden administration. Now, Trump appears resolute in reviving these strategies with a renewed focus on curbing illegal immigration and tackling organized crime.
On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador confirmed that Trump and Bukele have conducted official discussions regarding these matters. "President Donald J. Trump held a call with President Nayib Bukele of the Republic of El Salvador. The two leaders discussed cooperating to curb irregular migration and cracking down on transnational gangs like the Tren de Aragua. President Trump also praised President Bukele’s leadership in the region and the example he sets for other nations in the Western Hemisphere," stated the official communiqué.
Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar praised the talks between the two presidents, asserting that El Salvador is a crucial ally for the U.S. under Trump's renewed mandate. In support of this strategy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to embark on his first international tour next week, which will include a visit to El Salvador and three other Latin American countries. The trip aims to strengthen regional alliances and advance the discussions that took place between Trump and Bukele.
Key Aspects of the Trump-Bukele Agreement
What is the purpose of the "Safe Third Country" agreement?
The "Safe Third Country" agreement aims to prevent migrants from third countries from applying for asylum in the United States by redirecting them to El Salvador.
Why are Venezuelan migrants specifically targeted in this plan?
The plan is designed to ease the deportation of Venezuelan citizens, avoiding diplomatic issues with Nicolás Maduro's government, which has refused repatriations from the U.S.
What is the significance of designating the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization?
Labeling the Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization would allow the U.S. to take more aggressive actions against its members, including deportation and potential imprisonment in El Salvador.