U.S. Allocates $6 Million to El Salvador for Detaining Venezuelan Gang Suspects

The Trump administration is paying $6 million to El Salvador for detaining 238 Venezuelan gang suspects, who are linked to the Tren de Aragua, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the cost-effectiveness of this arrangement compared to domestic incarceration. President Nayib Bukele confirmed the suspects would face a year-long sentence at a local detention facility, while Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act for their deportation.

The Trump administration will allocate approximately $6 million to El Salvador for the incarceration of 238 Venezuelan gang suspects who were deported recently. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “It was approximately $6 million to El Salvador for the detention of these foreign terrorists,” emphasizing that this expenditure is minimal compared to the financial burden of housing these individuals in U.S. maximum-security prisons.

Leavitt also referenced the popular song “Closing Time,” suggesting that while the Venezuelans may not be allowed to stay, there are alternatives for them. These deportees are reportedly linked to the Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization designated last month as a foreign terrorist group by Trump.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced via X that the deportees would be taken to the Terrorism Confinement Center for a minimum of one year. Bukele noted on social media that while the U.S. fee for detaining these individuals is low, it poses a substantial cost for El Salvador, which has been implementing strict measures against crime in the country.

In a recent development, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for the first time since World War II to facilitate the deportation process. He expressed gratitude towards Bukele for his cooperation, criticizing the Democratic leadership in the U.S. for allowing the situation to develop and mentioning his desire to consider deporting certain domestic criminals as well.

The United States’ decision to finance the detention of Venezuelan gang suspects in El Salvador underscores significant implications for international cooperation on crime prevention. The relatively modest financial arrangement reflects a strategic choice to mitigate domestic security concerns without incurring exorbitant costs. The actions of President Trump, supported by President Bukele’s policies, reveal a concerted effort to combat transnational criminal activities while addressing complex legal and humanitarian considerations.

Original Source: nypost.com