El Salvador Offers to House U.S. Criminals in Controversial Mega-Prison

President Nayib Bukele has proposed accepting convicted criminals from the U.S. for a fee, but the legality and human rights implications remain contentious.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has offered to house U.S. criminals, including convicted American citizens, in the country's CECOT mega-prison in exchange for financial compensation.
CECOT, described as one of the largest prisons in Latin America, has faced criticism for harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations, including overcrowding and lack of basic inmate rights.
U.S. legal experts and officials have raised questions about the constitutionality of deporting or transferring custody of American citizens to foreign prisons, as it challenges established legal protections.
Bukele's proposal has garnered mixed reactions, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it 'generous,' while critics highlight potential ethical and legal concerns.
El Salvador's prison system has already come under scrutiny for its extreme measures against gang violence, including forced labor programs and mass incarcerations under a prolonged state of emergency.