The United States has recognized and expressed deep gratitude for President Nayib Bukele’s leadership in the fight against organized crime, following the recent transfer of two high-ranking leaders of the MS-13 and 21 of the gang’s most wanted members to El Salvador. This move, announced by the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, strengthens the growing cooperation between the two nations in combating criminal organizations.
Additionally, as part of an agreement between both governments, the U.S. has deported over 250 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. These individuals will be incarcerated in the country’s maximum-security prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a measure that U.S. officials praised as both a security advance and a way to reduce costs for American taxpayers.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally thanked President Bukele for his commitment to regional security, stating: «President @nayibbukele is not only the strongest security leader in our region but also a great friend to the United States. Thank you!»
The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador reaffirmed this recognition, highlighting President Donald Trump’s commitment to addressing transnational criminal threats. The embassy noted that El Salvador’s willingness to incarcerate these criminals in its world-class facilities at a fair cost will ensure public safety while relieving the financial burden on the U.S. correctional system.
The United States acknowledges President Bukele’s firm stance against organized crime, which has significantly contributed to strengthening regional stability. His administration’s dedication to security reforms and high-capacity prison facilities has made El Salvador a model in crime reduction and justice enforcement.
This latest cooperation between the U.S. and El Salvador underscores the shared commitment to eliminating gang violence and transnational crime, with President Bukele at the forefront of this crucial mission.