Kristi Noem Warns Illegal Immigrants During El Salvador Prison Visit

Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s CECOT prison, issuing warnings to illegal immigrants in the U.S. about the consequences of noncompliance. The facility, holding many returned gang members, exemplifies international agreements on deportation, with potential benefits for both the U.S. and El Salvador. Noem’s visit is part of a broader mission across Latin America for discussions on security and immigration.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, where deported illegal immigrants are held. During her visit, she issued a warning to illegal immigrants in the United States, emphasizing that they could face deportation and imprisonment if they do not self-deport. Noem stated, “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.”

The CECOT has a capacity to hold up to 40,000 individuals and was established by President Nayib Bukele to detain violent criminals, particularly following the swift crackdown on MS-13 gang members in El Salvador. Recently, the center has also begun housing members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang after deportations from the U.S. were paused due to legal challenges. Noem’s trip included meetings with President Bukele later after the prison tour.

In early February, an agreement was made for El Salvador to accept deported criminal immigrants from the U.S., including those from Tren de Aragua, which the Venezuelan government had previously refused to accept. Bukele has also offered to house U.S. citizens and legal residents convicted of serious crimes in Salvadoran prisons. Experts believe that while El Salvador’s actions may seem altruistic, they could also serve its own interests in the longer term.

Noem’s trip to El Salvador is part of a broader journey through Central America, South America, and Mexico, culminating in meetings with Colombian and Mexican officials, including discussions with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. This follows previous visits by other congressional delegates, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who visited El Salvador in February.

In summary, Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to the CECOT in El Salvador underscores a strong stance against illegal immigration, warning potential deportees of severe consequences. The cooperation between El Salvador and the U.S. highlights strategic interests on both sides, particularly concerning the handling of violent criminal deportees. This engagement with Central America reflects broader concerns surrounding border security and immigration policies under the current administration.

Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com