As part of her official visit to El Salvador, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem toured the Center for the Containment of Terrorism (CECOT), a key detention facility in the country. The visit, which included Minister of Security Gustavo Villatoro, focused on strengthening bilateral efforts to combat organized crime and illegal migration.
The CECOT, one of El Salvador’s primary detention centers, houses members of violent criminal organizations such as MS-13, Barrio 18, and the Tren de Aragua. This last group, known for its brutal activities and expansive network across Latin America, recently saw the transfer of 238 of its members from the United States to El Salvador. This transfer is part of a joint initiative aimed at curbing transnational crime and enhancing regional security.
During the tour, Secretary Noem praised the Salvadoran government’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador in tackling these challenges. She highlighted the shared commitment to strengthening cross-border security and emphasized the role of partnerships in ensuring a safer region for both countries.
This visit underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting El Salvador’s security and stability, focusing on efforts to combat illegal migration, enhance border security, and disrupt criminal networks that affect both nations.