The United States has deported over 250 gang members to El Salvador, where they have been sent to the country’s infamous mega-prison.
The flight included 238 suspected members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua and 23 alleged members of MS-13, according to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who announced the news on social media platform X.
Upon landing, the accused criminals were met by heavily armed Salvadoran commandos and escorted directly to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) — a high-security prison known for its harsh conditions. Footage from the scene showed the suspects chained and under strict guard as they were moved into armored prison transports.
The CECOT prison has drawn global attention due to its severe environment. Inmates are reportedly forced to perform labor, endure overcrowded cells, and face violent struggles for limited resources such as food and water.
President Bukele confirmed that among those deported were 23 MS-13 members wanted in El Salvador, including two high-ranking figures. He revealed that one of the individuals held a senior position in the gang’s leadership.
“This action will help us complete intelligence gathering and track down the remaining members of MS-13,” Bukele said. “We aim to target not only the criminals but also their financial resources, weapons, hideouts, and any collaborators or sponsors.”
Bukele emphasized that this effort reflects El Salvador’s commitment to combating organized crime while strengthening ties with international allies. He noted that this operation makes the country’s prison system self-sustainable and enhances security efforts.
“May God bless El Salvador, and may God bless the United States,” Bukele concluded.
US Senator Marco Rubio, who played a key role in arranging the agreement for El Salvador to accept the deported suspects, thanked Bukele for his cooperation and support in tackling criminal networks.
