U.S. Allocates $6 Million to El Salvador for Detainment of Venezuelan Gang Suspects
The Trump administration is paying $6 million to El Salvador to detain 238 Venezuelan gang suspects. This cost is considered low compared to the potential expenses of housing them in U.S. prisons. The suspects are linked to Tren de Aragua, recently designated a terrorist organization. President Bukele noted the high costs incurred by El Salvador. Trump utilized the Alien Enemies Act for their deportation.
The Trump administration has allocated approximately $6 million to El Salvador for the detention of 238 Venezuelan gang suspects deported recently. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, this expense is minimal when contrasted with the costs incurred if these individuals were housed in U.S. maximum-security prisons.
Leavitt highlighted that this strategy offers a more economical solution, describing the expenditure as “pennies on the dollar.” During the briefing, she referenced the song “Closing Time,” affirming that the Venezuelan suspects must leave the U.S. but will not return to residences here.
The suspects are allegedly affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist group. Despite attempts by federal officials to halt the deportation, the flight successfully reached El Salvador.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced via X that the suspects would be placed into the Terrorism Confinement Center for an initial year, with the possibility of renewal. He remarked on the disparity between the low cost charged to the U.S. and the significant expense imposed on his country.
President Trump cited the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to facilitate this deportation, marking the law’s first application since World War II. In a Truth Social post, he expressed gratitude towards President Bukele, decrying the current U.S. administration’s handling of border security and affirming support for stronger measures against crime.
In summary, the Trump administration’s decision to pay El Salvador $6 million for the detention of Venezuelan gang suspects marks a strategic move to alleviate the financial burden on the American taxpayer. This approach not only aims to confront domestic criminal threats but also reaffirms the collaboration with international partners like El Salvador in addressing terrorism and organized crime.
Original Source: nypost.com
