This article investigates the alleged secret pact between El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele and the MS-13 gang, focusing on the Trump administration's decision to drop terrorism charges against key MS-13 leaders. The dropped charges potentially shielded Bukele from exposure regarding this deal.
The article names key figures like César Humberto López Larios (Greñas), Elmer Canales Rivera (Crook), and Fredy Iván Jandres Parada (Lucky), all indicted on terrorism charges in 2020. The core accusation is that Bukele's administration made a deal with MS-13, offering them benefits (financial, territorial control, less restrictive prison conditions) in exchange for reduced violence and political support (including manipulating the 2021 elections).
The Trump administration, through actions such as dropping the terrorism charges and deporting gang members, appears to have aided Bukele in concealing the alleged pact. The article highlights the conflicting views between the State Department (considering Bukele an ally) and the Justice Department (investigating his alleged collusion with MS-13).
The article discusses the consequences of Bukele's actions, including a mass crackdown on suspected gang members (leading to the creation of CECOT prison), the firing of Supreme Court justices, and the halting of investigations into the administration. The escape and subsequent recapture of Crook de Hollywood further complicates the situation, as his testimony could significantly impact Bukele's political standing.
The article concludes with a description of a meeting between Trump, Bukele, and Rubio, highlighting Bukele's defiant statement and Trump's apparent admiration for his rhetoric.