Secretary Noem Urges Self-Deportation During Visit to El Salvador Prison
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s CECOT prison to address deported Tren de Aragua gang members, warning illegal immigrants in the U.S. of potential deportation. She emphasized the need for self-deportation to avoid arrest and prison. Noem’s tour is part of a larger agenda to strengthen collaboration with Central American nations on immigration issues.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) in El Salvador, the world’s largest prison, where she addressed deported members of the Tren de Aragua gang. During her visit, she cautioned illegal immigrants in the United States about the potential severe consequences they may face if they do not self-deport. Noem declared, “President Trump and I have a clear message to criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW. If you do not leave, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you could end up in this El Salvadorian prison.”
In her statement, Noem expressed the dire situation within CECOT, where she witnessed numerous tattooed inmates in cramped conditions. This facility, built by President Nayib Bukele to detain the most dangerous criminals, has the capacity to house 40,000 inmates and has previously housed deported members of the MS-13 gang. Recently, it began accommodating some Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members following deportation flights from the U.S., which have been halted by a court order after legal challenges against Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
Noem’s trip to El Salvador is part of a three-day tour across Central and South America, culminating in meetings with various officials. Following her prison tour, Noem is expected to confer with President Bukele, who has recently consented to accept criminal illegal immigrants from the U.S., including gang members previously refused by the Venezuelan regime.
Experts on border security and immigration have indicated that while El Salvador seems to be acting in good faith, it may also be seeking benefits from this arrangement. Following her engagements in El Salvador, Noem will continue her visit to Colombia for meetings with government officials and conclude her trip in Mexico where she will meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum. This visit comes on the heels of a congressional delegation led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna to El Salvador earlier this year.
In summary, Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to El Salvador and the CECOT prison underscores the U.S. administration’s firm stance against illegal immigration. By warning undocumented individuals to self-deport, Noem reinforces the potential repercussions they may face, including deportation to El Salvador. Furthermore, the discussions with President Bukele highlight a strategic collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador concerning immigration. Noem’s ongoing tour reflects an active engagement in regional security and immigration issues.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
