Terrorism Confinement Center CECOT. TECOLUCA, El Salvador — In a quiet yet heavily guarded early morning operation on Sunday, El Salvador received over 225 deported gang members from the United States—a move that underscores growing international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime.
Among them were 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal syndicate Tren de Aragua and 23 members of the notorious MS-13 gang, according to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua arrived in our country. They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable). Nayib Bukele.
The inmates were transported directly to the country’s high-security prison, the Center for Confinement Against Terrorism (CECOT).
“This isn’t just about security—it’s about sending a message,” Bukele wrote on social media platform X. “These are criminals that will no longer be a threat to anyone in the United States or El Salvador.”
The transfers stem from a reported agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador to house foreign detainees at CECOT.
The Associated Press reported that the United States will spend $20,000 yearly per inmate while reserving $15 million for possible future prisoner relocations.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expressed support for the agreement on social media while describing Bukele as both a “strong security leader” and “a great friend of the United States.”
“We sent more than 250 enemy foreigners from the Tren de Aragua gang,” Rubio said. However, the number slightly contradicted Bukele’s count of 238. “El Salvador committed to keeping them in its excellent prisons at a fair price, saving U.S. taxpayers money.”
The deal also included the return of 23 MS-13 members, two of whom are believed to be high-ranking leaders wanted by Salvadoran authorities.
It has been reported that one of them is César Eliseo Sorto Amaya, who was charged in New Jersey last year for illegally re-entering the U.S.
Another suspected leader seen in official images is believed to be César Humberto López Larios, alias “El Greñas de Stoner,” captured in 2024 and known as part of MS-13’s national leadership.
We have sent 2 dangerous top MS-13 leaders plus 21 of its most wanted back to face justice in El Salvador. Secretary Marco Rubio.
Tren de Aragua is often considered Venezuela’s most dangerous gang, evolving into a vast criminal network that engages in robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.
The group reportedly emerged from the Tocorón prison in Venezuela and expanded amid the country’s migration crisis.
While some critics have questioned the long-term implications of outsourcing prison space, Bukele has positioned the move as a cost-effective solution for both countries—and a bold step toward international security cooperation.
“These men won’t see freedom anytime soon,” Bukele added. “And our region will be safer because of it.”
