U.S. Funds El Salvador to Detain Venezuelan Gang Members for $6 Million
The U.S. is paying El Salvador $6 million to detain 238 Venezuelan gang suspects, a cost-effective solution compared to housing them in domestic prisons. President Bukele confirmed their transfer to a detention center, emphasizing the financial implications for El Salvador. Trump attributed the situation to Democratic failures, showcasing the complex intersection of immigration and crime enforcement policies.
The Trump administration has allocated approximately $6 million for El Salvador to detain 238 Venezuelan gang suspects deported recently. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, this amount represents a minor expense compared to the potential costs associated with housing these individuals in U.S. maximum-security facilities.
Leavitt highlighted the financial advantage of this arrangement by quoting song lyrics, indicating that while the Venezuelans cannot remain in the U.S., they have been sent elsewhere. These suspects are allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua, which is recognized as a foreign terrorist organization.
El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, confirmed that the suspects were placed in the Terrorism Confinement Center for a year, with the option to renew. Bukele also noted the low financial burden on the United States, framing it as a significant challenge for El Salvador, which has been combating criminal activities harshly.
Former President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to facilitate the deportation and expressed gratitude to President Bukele for his cooperation. In his statements, he attributed the situation to what he termed the failings of the current Democratic leadership, emphasizing the need for assertive actions against domestic crime, which includes considering the possibility of deporting U.S. citizens.
This arrangement underscores the increasingly complex dynamics surrounding immigration policies and cross-border criminal issues, raising questions about the implications for both nations involved.
In summary, the U.S. has initiated a significant financial agreement with El Salvador to detain Venezuelan gang suspects, which is touted as a cost-effective solution compared to domestic imprisonment. El Salvador’s harsh measures against crime are highlighted, while the political ramifications and public safety concerns are also brought to the forefront by Trump’s administration. This action reflects broader trends in handling international crime and immigration.
Original Source: nypost.com
