Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited a major prison in El Salvador, warning illegal immigrants in the U.S. about potential deportation. The visit included a tour of the CECOT facility, which houses violent offenders, including members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Noem’s trip is part of a broader engagement with Central and South America focused on immigration and security issues.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited a notorious prison in El Salvador, where deported illegal immigrants are being held. She issued a stern warning to undocumented immigrants remaining in the United States, suggesting they could face similar deportation and incarceration if they do not self-deport. “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,” said Noem during her visit.
During her tour of the El Salvadorian prison, specifically the CECOT, which is designed for the most violent offenders, Noem observed numerous inmates who had been tattooed and shaven upon entry. The facility has a capacity of up to 40,000 individuals and was established by President Nayib Bukele following the election in 2019, aimed at detaining violent gang members like those from the MS-13 gang. Among those housed are members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, currently facing deportation from the United States.
Noem’s trip to El Salvador marks the beginning of a broader three-day visit that will include meetings in Central and South America, as well as Mexico. Discussions with President Bukele are anticipated after the prison tour. Recently, El Salvador agreed to accept various criminal illegal immigrants from the United States, reflecting Bukele’s willingness to assist, though it may also be motivated by national interests.
Following her stay in El Salvador, Noem plans to continue her trip to Colombia for meetings with high-ranking officials, including the Foreign Minister and the Defense Minister. Her itinerary also includes a scheduled meeting with President Gustavo Petro. This trip follows a congressional delegation led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna that visited El Salvador in February, highlighting ongoing U.S. engagement with Central American countries regarding immigration issues.
In summary, Secretary Noem’s visit to El Salvador emphasizes the U.S. government’s stringent stance on illegal immigration, specifically targeting gang members. The tour of the prison facility underscores the conditions faced by deported individuals, while also revealing potential strategic collaborations between the U.S. and El Salvador in handling immigration. Noem’s subsequent meetings in Colombia and Mexico indicate a sustained commitment to addressing regional security and immigration concerns.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
