Trump Pursues Asylum Deal with El Salvador to Deported Migrants

Trump Pursues Asylum Deal with El Salvador to Deported Migrants

Trump Pursues Asylum Deal with El Salvador to Deported Migrants

The Trump administration is considering a new asylum agreement with El Salvador, one that could significantly alter U.S. immigration policy. Under this proposed deal, migrants who are not from El Salvador but are attempting to enter the U.S. could be deported to El Salvador instead. The arrangement, known as a “Safe Third Country” agreement, would block these migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. Instead, they would be instructed to apply for asylum in El Salvador, a country designated as safe for refuge.

This new policy would mark a significant escalation of Trump’s immigration crackdown, following the previous administration's efforts that included similar agreements with Central American nations. If finalized, the deal would revive a prior Trump-era agreement with El Salvador, which was never put into action and was eventually revoked by President Joe Biden. This move could especially help the U.S. address issues related to countries, like Venezuela, that either reject or limit deportations of their citizens.

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One aspect of the plan under consideration involves deportation flights to El Salvador carrying individuals suspected of being involved with Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that has become a central target in Trump's broader immigration policies. Trump has already taken action to designate Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group, with the goal of dismantling their activities. The question remains how El Salvador would handle the deported gang members, as the country has also been working hard to combat its notorious gangs under President Nayib Bukele's government.

Bukele’s administration, which is well-known for its harsh anti-gang policies, has earned praise in the U.S., particularly among conservatives, for its crackdown on criminal organizations like MS-13. However, this has drawn criticism from international groups who accuse the Salvadoran government of violating due process rights in its pursuit of gang members. Despite these concerns, Bukele has become a key ally of the Trump administration in efforts to curb illegal immigration.

The Trump-Bukele partnership has been growing stronger. The two leaders spoke over the phone recently, discussing ways to collaborate in addressing illegal immigration and taking stronger actions against gangs such as Tren de Aragua. Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit El Salvador in early February to discuss ongoing efforts related to immigration and regional security.

If this “Safe Third Country” agreement moves forward, it would be part of Trump’s broader strategy to enforce tougher immigration laws, including measures that limit access to asylum, grant more power to deportation officers, and even use military resources for border enforcement. The administration has already made moves to rapidly deport unauthorized immigrants, limit asylum applications at the U.S.-Mexico border, and reintroduce the “Remain-in-Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their claims are processed.

The U.S. currently has one active safe third country agreement with Canada, but agreements with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador were either never enacted or suspended under Biden. If Trump’s proposal to deport migrants to El Salvador succeeds, it could reshape how the U.S. handles migration from Central America, continuing his administration's push to curb illegal immigration through new international partnerships and policies.

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