The Trump administration proposed sending up to 500 Venezuelan migrants with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison. El Salvador initially agreed to accept up to 300 individuals. The US offered transportation, costs, and a $10 million maintenance fee, roughly $20,000 per person. A $15 million US foreign affairs funding package was approved, with approximately $5 million disbursed as of late April.
President Trump praised El Salvador's President Bukele, highlighting the prison's use for detaining criminals. The deportation of 238 Venezuelan migrants sparked legal challenges and criticism. The arrangement was seen as a key part of the administration's immigration agenda.
The US provided funding for El Salvador's law enforcement and anti-crime efforts, with the intention of covering the costs of detaining the deported migrants. However, the disbursement of funds was tied to the per-individual cost, leading to delays in the full transfer of funds. Migrants were considered in Salvadoran custody despite US payments.
The use of the Alien Enemies Act was challenged due to concerns about due process and the conditions in CECOT. A federal judge criticized the Trump administration's use of the facility, raising concerns about potential human rights violations and the lack of oversight. Attorneys reported deportations of individuals with no known ties to Tren de Aragua.