El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made a bold and unprecedented offer to accept deportees from the United States, including U.S. citizens or legal residents convicted of crimes. This proposal, announced after a meeting with Senator Marco Rubio, suggests that El Salvador could become a destination for deported individuals of any nationality, including those involved in serious crimes.
However, a U.S. official has clarified that the current administration has no plans to deport American citizens, raising questions about the legal and logistical challenges of such a move. The proposal has raised concerns over how El Salvador would house and process non-Salvadoran nationals and the potential human rights implications of accepting U.S. citizens with violent criminal histories.
This offer signals a shift in U.S. immigration policy and could potentially lead to the expansion of “safe third country” agreements. While the Trump administration has focused on strengthening immigration enforcement and working with Central American nations to manage deportations, this new development adds complexity to the ongoing debate over how to address the migration crisis.
As Rubio continues his tour across Central America to secure stronger immigration agreements, the feasibility and legality of Bukele’s proposal will likely be closely examined by U.S. officials.
