El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, is moving forward with plans to significantly expand the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a megaprison known for housing deported gang members.
The facility, which already holds a massive population, is set to double in size, creating space for up to 80,000 inmates.
This announcement comes just after President Donald Trump hinted at sending U.S. criminals, including violent offenders, to the facility, a controversial move that has sparked heated debate.
Bukele’s Vision for Expanding CECOT and What It Means for Prisoners
The expansion of CECOT, a prison built in 2022, will increase its capacity from 40,000 to 80,000 inmates.
The facility was originally constructed as part of El Salvador’s crackdown on gang violence, which has plagued the country for years.
Bukele, who controls the 350 acres surrounding the prison, plans to develop this land further to accommodate the influx of detainees.
The prison is heavily fortified, surrounded by thick walls, guard towers, and electrified fences.
Currently, it houses more than 14,500 prisoners, including recent deportees from the United States.
U.S. Involvement in the Prison and the Controversy Surrounding Deportations
In March 2025, Trump’s administration deported over 250 individuals, including alleged gang members from Venezuela, to CECOT. The U.S. government has paid El Salvador $6 million to house these individuals, who are said to be affiliated with dangerous criminal organizations such as MS-13.
However, some of these deportations, including that of Armando Abrego Garcia, have raised significant legal concerns.
Garcia, a Maryland man and father of three, was sent to the prison despite his claims of not being involved with gangs.
His case has led to outrage, especially as the U.S. government initially stated that his deportation was a mistake.
This has sparked a legal battle, with Garcia’s supporters arguing that he is being wrongfully detained.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen even traveled to El Salvador to meet with Garcia but was denied entry to the prison.
The White House has criticized the senator’s actions, suggesting that his focus should be on supporting law enforcement in the U.S.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Over the Deportation of U.S. Citizens
The deportation of U.S. citizens to foreign prisons is fraught with legal complexities.
While Trump’s administration has invoked the Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportations, some legal experts argue that this law only applies during times of war.
The situation became more contentious when U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the Trump administration may be in contempt of court for violating orders related to the deportation of Venezuelan gang members. The administration is appealing this decision, further complicating the matter.
Trump’s Support for Expanding the Use of Foreign Prisons
During a recent meeting with Bukele in the Oval Office, Trump expressed support for expanding the use of CECOT, suggesting that more criminals, including U.S. citizens, could be sent to the facility.
He pointed to American criminals who commit violent acts as candidates for deportation, even if they are U.S. citizens.
This stance has raised alarm among legal scholars who argue that such actions could violate constitutional rights, as U.S. citizens cannot be deported under current law.
Trump, however, remains adamant that the U.S. needs to take a tougher stance on crime, particularly against those who commit heinous acts.
The Future of U.S.-El Salvador Relations and the Prison Expansion
As the conflict between the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government continues to escalate, the future of CECOT and the potential for more deportations remains uncertain.
Bukele’s close relationship with Trump has been a point of contention, especially as both leaders push for tougher measures to combat crime.
While the plans for expanding CECOT move forward, the legal challenges surrounding the deportation of U.S. citizens and the treatment of detainees in foreign prisons will likely continue to be a major issue in the months ahead.