El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made a bold offer to the United States, proposing to jail American criminals in his country’s mega-prisons for a fee, raising questions about international law and human rights.
At a Glance
- President Bukele offers to jail U.S. criminals, including citizens, in El Salvador’s mega-prisons
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio praises the offer as “an act of extraordinary friendship”
- Proposal includes housing undocumented migrants and gang members from groups like MS-13
- Legal concerns arise over the potential deportation of U.S. citizens
- El Salvador’s prisons face criticism for overcrowding and alleged human rights violations
Bukele’s Unprecedented Proposal
In a move that has caught the attention of both supporters and critics, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has extended an offer to the United States to house American criminals in his country’s mega-prisons. This proposal, which includes jailing both undocumented migrants convicted of crimes and U.S. citizens, has been met with praise from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called it “an act of extraordinary friendship.”
The offer comes as part of Bukele’s broader strategy to combat crime and strengthen ties with the Trump administration. Bukele suggests that this arrangement could make El Salvador’s prison system financially sustainable while addressing overcrowding issues in U.S. facilities.
🚨🇺🇸🇸🇻 BUKELE'S BOLD OFFER: "WE'LL TAKE YOUR CRIMINALS – EVEN U.S. CITIZENS"
In an unprecedented deal, El Salvador's president offered to house convicted criminals from U.S. prisons in his country's mega-facility – including American citizens.@nayibbukele :
"We'll take… https://t.co/DB0p8VIguB pic.twitter.com/pFodar64fJ
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 4, 2025
While the proposal has garnered support from some U.S. officials, it has also raised significant legal and humanitarian concerns. The deportation of U.S. citizens is generally illegal, casting doubt on the feasibility of this aspect of the plan. Additionally, El Salvador’s prisons have faced criticism for overcrowding and alleged human rights violations.
“We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system,” Nayib Bukele said.
Bukele’s administration has been praised for reducing crime rates in El Salvador, with over 80,000 arrests since 2019 leading to a significant decrease in homicides. However, this approach has also drawn criticism from human rights groups for alleged abuses and mass arrests.
The proposal reflects the Trump administration’s approach to foreign relations, emphasizing support on issues like illegal migration and drug trafficking. Bukele is seen as a key ally in these efforts, with the offer extending to undocumented migrants from any country, including gang members from notorious groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
And Trump is seriously considering going ahead with the plan – if people will let him.
“Any unlawful immigrant and illegal immigrant in the United States who is a dangerous criminal – MS-13, Tren de Aragua, whatever it may be — he has offered his jails,” Marco Rubio said.
If Trump gets this through…it changes everything.
Criminals might actually be afraid of committing crimes again.
