Rubio says El Salvador has offered to accept deportees from U.S. of any nationality

Tue Feb 04 02:40:25 UTC 2025: ## US and El Salvador Strike Unprecedented Deportation Deal

**San Salvador, El Salvador –** U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday a sweeping new agreement with El Salvador that will see the Central American nation accept deportees from the U.S., regardless of nationality, including violent American criminals currently imprisoned in the United States.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador described the deal as “unprecedented,” stating it sets a new standard in U.S.-El Salvador relations and potentially for all of Latin America. The agreement follows President Trump’s administration’s push for stricter immigration enforcement and comes amid internal U.S. political turmoil.

Mr. Rubio’s announcement came after he witnessed a U.S.-funded deportation flight carrying 43 migrants from Panama to Colombia. The Secretary of State’s presence at the deportation, an unusual step for a high-ranking official, underscores the U.S. commitment to stemming migration flows. The U.S. has provided nearly $2.7 million to Panama for such flights.

The agreement with El Salvador is expected to include a “safe third country” provision, allowing for the deportation of non-Salvadoran migrants to El Salvador, potentially including Venezuelan gang members convicted in the U.S. if Venezuela refuses repatriation.

The deal has drawn criticism from human rights activists who express concern about El Salvador’s track record on asylum seekers and refugees, and fear the agreement may not be limited to violent criminals. Manuel Flores of the opposition Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front called the plan a sign that the region is being treated as Washington’s “backyard to dump the garbage.”

Secretary Rubio emphasized that mass migration is a global issue impacting many countries and that while many migrants are victims, uncontrolled migration isn’t beneficial. His Central American tour will continue with visits to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic to further address these immigration concerns.

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