President Trump said Sunday that he would “love” to send American inmates to El Salvador’s mega-prison, but first he needs to make sure it is legal.
When asked by reporters on Air Force One if he intends to discuss his offer to take in and house American prisoners with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, Trump said yes.
“Well, I love that,” Trump said. “If we could take some of our 20-time wise guys that push people into subways and that hit people over the back of the head and that purposely run people over in cars — if he would take them, I would be honored to give them.”
“I do not know what the law says on that, but I can not imagine the law would say anything different,” according to him. “If they can house these horrible criminals for a lot less money than it costs us, I am all for it, but I would only do according to the law.”
“I think if we could get El Salvador or someone to take them, I would be very happy. But I will have to see what the law says,” Trump added.
Trump has faced criticism and legal challenges regarding the implementation of his agreement with Bukele to deport accused gang members from the United States and house them in El Salvador’s mega-prison.
The Trump administration deported another group of men last week, alleging they were all members of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs.
According to a White House official, the latest deportation was carried out by immigration authorities rather than under the Alien Enemies Act. The White House has been sued for using the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants and has been ordered to halt deportations under it.
