President Donald Trump recently expressed his willingness to transfer American citizens to a controversial prison in El Salvador, where his administration has previously deported alleged gang members. Trump’s remarks came during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, sparking immediate backlash and concern.
Speaking to reporters, Trump responded positively to an invitation from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to send more detainees to El Salvador, including U.S. citizens. “I love that,” Trump stated. “If we could take some of our 20 time-wise guys that push people into subways and hit people over the back of the head and purposely run people over in cars, if he would take them, I would be honored to give them.”
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The president admitted uncertainty about the legality of his proposition, adding, “I don’t know what the law says on that. I’m all for it. If they can house these horrible criminals for a lot less money than it costs us, I’m all for it.” Trump’s administration previously sent three aircraft filled with deportees from El Salvador and Venezuela to the “Terrorism Confinement Center,” claiming without proof that all individuals were associated with the Tren de Aragua gang.
However, Trump’s comments and actions have raised significant legal concerns. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg recently ordered a temporary halt to using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act while challenges proceed through courts. Judge Paula Xinis also sharply criticized the administration after officials mistakenly deported a legal U.S. resident to the Salvadoran prison, ordering his immediate return.
Administration officials claimed they lacked the authority to secure his removal from the facility. The response from critics and commentators has been swift and severe. Former Obama speechwriter and podcaster Jon Favreau reacted sharply, tweeting, “He wants to send American citizens to a foreign gulag.”
Stephanie Slade, senior editor at Reason, voiced profound concern, remarking, “I’ve been having some fun on this site over the last few days, but I sincerely believe this is an even bigger deal than what’s that’s happening with the markets, and Americans ignore it at our existential peril.”
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Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with the American Immigration Council, also criticized the administration’s opaque deal with El Salvador. “A reminder: the Trump administration has revealed NO DETAILS of the pact with El Salvador,” he posted.
“We literally know nothing about it, other than we’re paying them $6 million. No law in the United States authorizes us to pay another country to imprison people. And yet! They’re doing it.” The controversial proposal has reignited fierce debates about legality, human rights, and transparency within U.S. immigration policy.
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