El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is seeking to capitalize on a recent deportation deal with the US government, which saw hundreds of Venezuelans taken to El Salvador. The move has given Mr. Bukele a significant boost in global visibility and power.
The deportations were made possible by a three-minute video posted by Mr. Bukele, which featured shackled men being marched off a plane over a dramatic soundtrack. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared the video, as did Elon Musk, and even President Trump thanked Mr. Bukele online.
Mr. Bukele has become a popular leader in Latin America due to his tough-on-crime approach, which has included suspending civil liberties and cracking down on gangs. However, he has also faced criticism for his handling of human rights and democratic institutions.
The deportation deal has allowed El Salvador to receive $6 million from the US government for taking in the deportees, who were members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua. Mr. Bukele’s administration has been accused of secretly negotiating with gang leaders, but he denies making a deal.
Despite controversy surrounding his past actions, Mr. Bukele’s popularity remains high, and he is seeking to use the deportation deal to consolidate his power. His government has released highly produced videos and photos showcasing the country’s efforts to combat crime, including footage from the Terrorism Confinement Center.
Mr. Bukele’s relationship with President Trump has grown closer in recent months, with the US president thanking him online for the deportations. The two leaders have met on several occasions, including a visit to a Tesla plant in Texas.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/world/americas/el-salvador-nayib-bukele-deportees.html