US Administration Allocates $6M to El Salvador for Venezuelan Gang Detention

The Trump administration is paying El Salvador $6 million to detain 238 Venezuelan gang suspects. The decision is framed as more cost-effective compared to domestic incarceration. These suspects are linked to Tren de Aragua, designated as a terrorist organization. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed their transfer to a detention center, while Trump praised this collaboration and invoked the Alien Enemies Act for the deportation.

The Trump administration has allocated approximately $6 million to El Salvador for the detention of 238 Venezuelan gang suspects who were recently deported to the country. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, this expenditure is considered a fraction of the cost that would be incurred by U.S. taxpayers for housing these individuals in maximum-security prisons within the United States.

During a briefing, Leavitt stated, “It was approximately $6 million to El Salvador for the detention of these foreign terrorists,” emphasizing that this sum is significantly less than the expenses associated with domestic incarceration. She also referenced the song “Closing Time,” noting that the Venezuelan deportees “don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

The individuals in question are allegedly linked to Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization that was recently designated as a foreign terrorist entity by Trump. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed on X platform that these suspects have been transferred to CECOT, the country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, where they are to be held for one year, subject to renewal.

President Bukele remarked, “The United States will pay a very low fee for them, but a high one for us,” highlighting his government’s strict approach to dealing with crime. On the matter, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, marking its first application since World War II to justify the deportation.

The former president expressed gratitude towards Bukele, asserting that these criminals had been sent to the U.S. by irresponsible Democratic leadership. Trump has even suggested the possibility of deporting American citizens involved in criminal acts, speculating on transferring them abroad if legally feasible.

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s decision to pay El Salvador $6 million for detaining Venezuelan gang suspects has highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding crime and immigration in the United States. This strategy aims to reduce domestic costs associated with housing foreign criminals, while also illustrating the administration’s reliance on international cooperation in addressing security threats.

Original Source: nypost.com