President Donald J. Trump of the United States has expressed enthusiasm for the official visit of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to the White House. This meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 14, signifies the strengthening partnership between the two nations, particularly in the realms of security, migration, and the fight against transnational crime.
The Presidential House of El Salvador announced on Saturday that Bukele had arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Washington DC to commence his official visit. "On Monday, April 14, the President will visit the White House to meet with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump," the Salvadoran government stated.
Through his platform, Truth Social, Trump remarked, "Looking forward to seeing President Bukele of El Salvador on Monday! Our countries are closely working together to eradicate terrorist organizations and pave the way for a prosperous future."
Trump also highlighted that "President Bukele has magnanimously taken under custody some of the world's most violent foreign adversaries, especially those threatening the United States. These criminals are now under the exclusive custody of El Salvador, a proud and sovereign nation, and their future lies with President Bukele and his administration. They will no longer pose a threat to our citizens!"
The bond between these two leaders has deepened following various agreements positioning El Salvador as a pivotal partner in the U.S.'s external migration policy.
Strengthening Ties Through Security Cooperation
A cornerstone of this cooperation has been the deportation of hundreds of migrants to Salvadoran soil. These migrants are accused of affiliations with criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, both labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the Trump administration.
The most recent operation saw the transfer of 17 "extremely dangerous" suspects, including six accused of child rape, to El Salvador's Center for the Confinement of Terrorists (CECOT). Bukele hailed this operation as "another step in the fight against terrorism and organized crime."
Migration and Diplomatic Milestones
According to CBS News reports, the White House is considering a formal migration agreement under the "Safe Third Country" model. This would enable the U.S. to deport asylum seekers from third countries, especially Venezuelans whose claims are denied, back to El Salvador. This mechanism, initially explored during Trump's first term without success, aims to be reactivated with a more assertive approach and direct economic compensations to the Salvadoran government.
Bukele has confirmed that his country receives payments for detaining these individuals, as part of a collaborative effort that includes joint military operations between the two nations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to the Central American country, praised El Salvador's crime containment model, stating, "These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens."
Marking a significant diplomatic event, Bukele will be the first Western Hemisphere leader to be formally received by Trump during his current term.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem underscored this message during a visit to CECOT, warning migrants, "Do not enter our country illegally. You will be deported and prosecuted."
Similarly, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar commended the collaboration between the two leaders, emphasizing that "El Salvador has become a significant ally of the United States."
Understanding U.S.-El Salvador Relations
What is the main focus of the U.S. and El Salvador partnership?
The partnership primarily focuses on security, migration, and combating transnational crime.
Why is the deportation of migrants significant in this cooperation?
Deportation is significant because it targets migrants accused of being part of criminal organizations, strengthening security in both countries.
What is the "Safe Third Country" model?
It is a proposed migration agreement allowing the U.S. to deport asylum seekers to El Salvador if their applications are rejected.