Trump’s administration based the transfer on an 18th-century law targeting Venezuelan gang members, citing the country’s “invasion” of criminal organizations. The US is expected to pay El Salvador $6 million for one year of services.
El Salvador’s President Bukele posted photos of the handcuffed prisoners, praising the operation as a step in the fight against organized crime. Trump criticized Joe Biden for allowing these criminals to infiltrate the US.
The CECOT is notorious for its inhumane conditions, with reports of prisoners fighting for food and water.
