El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele made an unprecedented offer to the U.S., proposing to incarcerate criminals, including American citizens and legal residents, in El Salvador’s jails. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude for the offer, calling it an extraordinary gesture, although concerns were raised about the legality and constitutionality of such a plan. President Trump indicated his openness to the idea if it could be done within legal bounds.

During a visit to El Salvador, Rubio confirmed Bukele’s willingness to accept both illegal immigrants and dangerous American criminals in their custody. This offer, described as a unique show of friendship, aims to address the issue of violent criminals at a reduced cost. However, Rubio clarified that no concrete plan exists yet to deport U.S. citizens to El Salvador.

Legal experts, including the ACLU, emphasized the constitutional prohibition against deporting U.S. citizens and raised concerns about human rights protections in such scenarios. Deporting non-citizens to a country they are not from is deemed complex and subject to rigorous safeguards.

President Trump expressed interest in the proposal, highlighting the potential cost savings and deterrent effect of deporting hardened criminals. While emphasizing adherence to U.S. laws, he mentioned that other countries have shown interest in accepting American criminals. The feasibility and implications of such a plan are under scrutiny, with a focus on legal and human rights considerations.