Two Reasons Leavitt Says U.S. Criminals Could Be Deported to El Salvador’s ‘Hellhole Prison’ [WATCH]

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this week that American citizens could be deported to a high-security prison in El Salvador under specific conditions, following a proposal floated by President Donald Trump, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The idea centers around the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, a facility known for its extreme security and harsh conditions.

Often referred to as a “black hole of human rights,” the prison has gained international attention for its treatment of violent criminals. The proposal, according to Leavitt, is not yet a formal policy and remains under legal review.

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“It is an idea he has simply floated,” Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing. She emphasized that if implemented, the deportation policy would target two specific groups: individuals with “heinous and violent” convictions and “violent repeat offenders.”

“These would be heinous, violent criminals. These are violent repeat offenders.”

The concept was inspired by a February offer from El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, who stated his country would be willing to accept convicted criminals, including U.S. citizens, into the massive prison facility in exchange for a fee.

“We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison… in exchange for a fee,” Bukele wrote in a post on X.

We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system.

We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.

The fee would be relatively low for… pic.twitter.com/HTNwtp35Aq

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) February 4, 2025

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President Trump praised the proposal during remarks on Air Force One. “I love it,” he said. “If he would take them, I’d be honored to give them. I don’t know what the law says on that, but I can’t imagine the law would say anything different. If they can house these horrible criminals for a lot less money than it costs us, I’m all for it.”

Reporter: The president of El Salvador said he would be willing to take American citizens in federal prison population.

Trump: I love that pic.twitter.com/uwwCtPidrV

— Acyn (@Acyn) April 6, 2025

The facility, built to house gang members and violent offenders, currently holds several hundred alleged members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, who were previously deported by Trump using the Alien Enemies Act.

That law, invoked only three times in U.S. history, allowed the administration to remove individuals deemed national security threats.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld Trump’s authority to deport the Venezuelan nationals, though concerns remain. The court ruled that deportees are entitled to legal notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal—rights some did not receive.

Disputes have also surfaced over whether all of the deportees met the threshold for removal.

Inside the prison, inmates are locked in crowded cells for 23.5 hours per day, only allowed 30 minutes of movement while chained in a hallway.

Cells are designed to hold up to 100 detainees, outfitted with 80 metal bunks, two toilets, and two sinks—without mattresses. Inmates are not allowed phone access, receive no visitors, and never go outdoors.

Each unit includes a separate, windowless cell for inmates deemed disruptive.

Leavitt reiterated that the president’s team is reviewing the legal feasibility of the move.

“The president has said if there is a legal pathway. He’s not sure. We’re not sure if there is. It’s an idea that he has simply floated.”

BREAKING NEWS: In a shocking statement, Karoline Leavitt says Trump Administration is exploring the possibility of deporting AMERICAN CITIZENS to El Salvador. Get ready, MAGA. pic.twitter.com/ixrMSTlcL3

— Last Day With You (@Last_DayWithYou) April 9, 2025

Liberal critics have strongly opposed the concept. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote:

“The implication of the Government’s position is that not only noncitizens but also United States citizens could be taken off the streets, forced onto planes, and confined to foreign prisons with no opportunity for redress if judicial review is denied unlawfully before removal. History is no stranger to such lawless regimes, but this Nation’s system of laws is designed to prevent, not enable, their rise.”

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