img

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) on Wednesday as part of a multi-country tour focused on immigration enforcement. The visit underscores the Trump administration’s strict approach to illegal immigration and criminal activity.

In a social media post, Noem issued a warning to undocumented immigrants: “President Trump and I have a clear message to criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW. If you do not leave, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you could end up in this El Salvadorian prison.”

Deportation Under Legal Challenge

The visit comes as the Trump administration faces legal pushback for deporting Venezuelan immigrants under the Alien Enemies Act. Some of these deportees, allegedly with gang affiliations, are now being held at CECOT. However, human rights groups and legal advocates argue that no concrete evidence has been presented linking these individuals to criminal networks like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

Flights deporting Venezuelans were underway when a federal judge temporarily halted removals. The administration maintained that the ruling did not apply to flights already in progress. The legal case is ongoing, with an appeals court upholding the pause on future deportations.

Prison Conditions and Human Rights Concerns

Noem toured isolation units, weapon storage areas, and crowded cells. Some prisoners displayed tattoos linked to MS-13, and officials staged an inmate lineup during her visit. Noem emphasized the consequences of committing crimes in the U.S., warning that foreign nationals involved in criminal acts could face imprisonment in facilities like CECOT.

Activists have raised concerns about detainees being held without trial and the conditions inside the prison, including lack of access to legal representation and indefinite confinement.

Meeting with President Bukele

Noem met with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who has earned praise from conservative figures for his hardline policies against gang violence. Noem called the U.S.-El Salvador relationship a model for future international cooperation on immigration enforcement.

Next Stops: Colombia and Mexico

This visit is part of Noem’s three-day Latin American tour. She is scheduled to continue to Colombia and Mexico, amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S. deportation practices and regional detention partnerships.


Read More: Albanese Plans One-on-One with Trump as Tariff Tensions Heat Up Ahead of Australian Election

--Advertisement--

Kristi Noem El Salvador visit CECOT prison Trump immigration policy Venezuelan deportation controversy Alien Enemies Act MS-13 prison El Salvador U.S.-El Salvador relations