In a recent announcement, El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, revealed the arrival of 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal group, the Aragua Train, deported from the United States to be imprisoned in a high-security facility. These individuals were promptly transferred to the Center for Confinement of Terrorists (CECOT), where they will initially serve a one-year sentence, subject to extension as deemed necessary by the Salvadoran government.
President Bukele shared footage of the criminals arriving in El Salvador on social media, emphasizing that this move strengthens the security strategy his administration has been advocating for over recent years. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, corroborated this information, adding that alongside the Aragua Train members, two notorious leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 21 of their most wanted affiliates were also deported.
"This operation will aid us in concluding intelligence gathering and pursuing the remaining elements of MS-13, including their past and current members, financial resources, weapons, drugs, hideouts, accomplices, and sponsors," stated President Bukele. Meanwhile, Rubio expressed gratitude for El Salvador's cooperation, noting that this agreement would economize resources for American taxpayers.
The deportation action follows President Donald Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, intended to expedite mass deportations. According to Trump's executive order, the Aragua Train is deemed a terrorist organization with ties to the Nicolás Maduro regime, posing a direct threat to U.S. security.
Originating in the Venezuelan prison of Tocorón in 2014, the Aragua Train is implicated in various crimes such as murder, kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking, prostitution, extortion, and human trafficking. As reported by Infobae, the group has expanded its operations to countries including Colombia, Chile, Peru, and the United States. Earlier this year, the Trump administration designated this group as a global threat and a significant player in transnational crime.
President Bukele pointed out that El Salvador will receive compensation for holding these criminals, reaffirming his government's commitment to a security strategy that has significantly reduced violence rates in the country. "We continue making strides against organized crime. This time, we're also assisting our allies and gaining crucial intelligence to make our nation an even safer place," Bukele concluded.
Key Details on the Deportation of Criminals to El Salvador
Who are the criminals deported to El Salvador?
The deportees include 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal group Aragua Train, two leaders of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), and 21 of their most wanted affiliates.
Why were these individuals deported?
They were deported under an executive order by President Donald Trump, which classified the Aragua Train as a terrorist organization, posing a threat to U.S. security.
What is the role of El Salvador in this operation?
El Salvador is responsible for imprisoning these criminals at the Center for Confinement of Terrorists (CECOT) and will receive payment for their custody. The country is also gathering intelligence to combat organized crime more effectively.