Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s CECOT prison, warning illegal immigrants in the U.S. of deportation. She emphasized the need for self-deportation, aligning with former President Trump’s message. The facility houses violent criminals, including members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Noem’s trip includes discussions in Colombia and Mexico to further immigration and security policies.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited deported illegal immigrants at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador. During her visit, she delivered a stern warning to illegal immigrants residing in the United States, asserting that they could face similar consequences if they do not choose to self-deport. Noem emphasized the message she shares with 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 CECOT can accommodate up to 40,000 inmates and was established by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele in response to the violent crime crisis, focusing on detaining members of notorious gangs, including MS-13. Following recent deportation flights from the United States, some members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang have been relocated to this facility, which is currently affected by court-mandated pauses on deportation flights.
Secretary Noem arrived in El Salvador as part of a comprehensive three-day trip across Central and South America, which includes meetings with President Bukele. Notably, El Salvador recently agreed to accept deported criminals from the U.S., including those of Venezuelan nationality, despite initial refusals from their regime. Noem will continue her trip with scheduled meetings in Colombia and Mexico to discuss immigration and security matters detailed by local authorities.
This visit follows a previous congressional delegation to El Salvador led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna in February, indicating a sustained U.S. focus on collaboration with Central American nations regarding immigration issues. Border security and immigration experts suggest that while El Salvador is cooperating with U.S. efforts, it is simultaneously recognizing the potential benefits for its own national interests.
In conclusion, Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to El Salvador underscores the U.S. government’s strong stance on immigration enforcement and its collaborative efforts with Central American nations to address crime and deportation challenges. The potential consequences for illegal immigrants remain severe. This visit highlights ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and El Salvador, as well as the broader focus on regional immigration policies.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
