Trump says he's open to sending violent criminals who are US citizens to El Salvador prison
Share and Follow


President Trump on Monday indicated he would be open to sending American citizens who are violent criminals to El Salvador to be held in a notorious prison there, telling reporters his administration is studying law on the matter.

“If they’re criminals, and if they hit people with baseball bats over the head that happen to be 90 years old, if they rape 87-year-old women in Coney Island, Brooklyn, yeah. Yeah that includes them,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “Why, do you think there’s a special category of person? They’re as bad as anyone that comes in. We have bad ones, too. And, I’m all for it.”

Trump did not specify which cases he was referring to. There is a widely reported case of an 82-year-old Brooklyn woman who was raped in her home. The suspect was an 18-year-old at the time and was found guilty a year later.

Trump’s comments came during a meeting with El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele. Bukele has worked with the Trump administration to take in hundreds of deportees, including many not from El Salvador, and hold them in a massive prison that has drawn criticism from human rights watchdogs.

Trump framed the potential deportation of violent American citizens as a way to save money.

“If it’s a homegrown criminal, I have no problem,” Trump said. “Now, we’re studying the laws right now. Pam is studying. If we can do that, that’s good. And I’m talking about violent people. I’m talking about really bad people. Really bad people. Every bit as bad as the ones coming in.”

Experts have said that there is no legal way for the government to deport legal U.S. citizens to another country. Still, Trump and other administration officials have raised the idea multiple times in recent months, sparking alarm among Democrats and legal experts.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump launches massive airstrikes in Syria as 'vengeance'

Breaking: Trump Unleashes Major Airstrikes on Syria in Retaliatory Move

On Friday, U.S. forces launched a series of targeted airstrikes against ISIS…
DOJ accused of censoring Epstein files as full documents are redacted

Controversy Erupts Over DOJ’s Heavily Redacted Epstein Documents

The Department of Justice is facing backlash after heavily redacting documents from…
'My dad is dead': Slain Jacksonville musician's family demands arrest in road rage shooting

Family of Slain Jacksonville Musician Urges Arrest in Fatal Road Rage Incident

The family of Joe Starkey, a beloved musician in Jacksonville, has expressed…
Jacksonville father who ran over, killed 8-month-old son sentenced to 30 years in prison

Jacksonville Father Sentenced to 30 Years for Tragic Death of 8-Month-Old Son in Fatal Accident

Authorities have reported that a dispute over baby wipes and money between…
Pre-teen charged with attempted murder in stabbing of boy, 12, inside NYC playground: cops

Pre-Teen Arrested in NYC Playground Stabbing Incident Involving 12-Year-Old Boy

A shocking incident unfolded at a Brooklyn playground, where a 12-year-old boy…
Sean McVay blindsided by Puka Nacua postgame tweet question in tense press conference

Sean McVay Surprised by Unexpected Puka Nacua Tweet Query During Intense Press Conference

Following a pivotal loss on Thursday night, Rams coach Sean McVay found…
Tyler Kolek keeps making case for more Knicks minutes

Tyler Kolek Strengthens His Bid for Increased Playing Time with the Knicks

INDIANAPOLIS — Tyler Kolek continues to make a compelling case for increased…
Australian authorities release 7 men detained over possible violent plot in wake of Bondi Beach shooting

Breaking News: Australian Authorities Free 7 Men Linked to Potential Attack Amid Bondi Beach Shooting Probe

Australian authorities have recently released seven men who had been under detention…