In a context of growing tensions in the foreign relations of USA (marked by commercial wars and disputes over military spending) the president Donald Trump He found a firm ally at the Salvadoran president Nayib Bukelewho on Monday makes an official visit to the White House.
Bukele agreed to receive hundreds of deported migrants from USAto whom the US government links with gangs or criminal activities. This cooperation was key in the strategy of Trump to accelerate the deportation of one million undocumented immigrants before the first year of their second term.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubiorecently announced the deportation of another ten alleged gang members to El Salvador and publicly praised the collaboration between both leaders, qualifying it as “a model of security and prosperity for the region.”
Nayib Bukele, a key partner for Washington
The visit of Bukele strengthens its position as one of the closest allies of the new administration Trumpwhich has taken distance from several traditional partners. The Salvadoran president, known both for his popularity and for his authoritarian style, has been defined as “the most cool dictator” and “philosopher king”, while implementing security policies that were harshly criticized by international human rights organizations for systematic violations.
However, within El Salvadorhis approach has given him a strong popular support. Bukele43, he achieved re -election in 2024 with a blunt victory.
Trumpon the other hand, he has publicly praised the Central American president, whom he referred as “President B” in his social networks, and highlighted his willingness to receive people who consider “some of the most dangerous criminals in the world.”
“He is doing an excellent job. He is helping us solve many problems,” he said Trump Sunday while returning from a sporting event in Miami aboard the Air Force One.
One of the most controversial elements of this collaboration is the center of confinement of terrorism (CECOT), a megacárcel in El Salvador that Bukele offered to USA As a detention center for deported migrants, in exchange for a payment. A video recently published by the Salvadoran government shows the arrival of the last deported in shackles, which has aroused criticism for the lack of clear evidence that links them with criminal activities.
The US authorities have resorted to the centenary law of foreign enemies to justify some of these rapid deportations, a legal norm originally designed for war times. The Supreme Court recently ratified the temporary use of this law, although it also ordered that the return of a Salvadoran citizen deported by mistake from Maryland be “facilitated”.
However, the Trump administration has minimized its responsibility, arguing that it does not have the obligation to directly manage the return of the individual in question, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. According to official documents, Garcia remains “alive and safe” in Cecot, although there is no clarity about the concrete steps for repatriation.
Consulted on whether Bukele You could intercede in the case during your visit, the spokeswoman for the White House, Karoline Leavitt replied that the order of the court asked to facilitate, but not execute, his return.
“Cooperation with El Salvador It is at its highest point, “Leavitt said.” We deeply appreciate the commitment of President Bukele and his support in the repatriation of criminals who, under previous administrations, managed to enter our country. “
Source: Ambito
