Pres. Trump hosts El Salvador’s Pres. Bukele

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Immigration and border security the focus of conversation as President Donald Trump welcomes the first Latin American leader to the White House.

Just weeks after El Salvador accepted from the U.S. 238 Venezuelans - accused of being gang , President Trump delivered a personal thank you to President Nayib Bukele. Bukele has become a key ally in the istration’s migrant deportations.

The President said he appreciates the cooperation of Bukele. El Salvador has received $6 million from the Trump istration in exchange for imprisoning suspected migrant criminals.

“We can do things with the president for less money and have great security. And we have a huge prison population.”

The U.S. Supreme Court just last week ordered the Trump istration to “facilitate” the return of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. The Justice Department has acknowledged that Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Another hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15.

But based upon responses from Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Bukele, Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. appears very unlikely.

Attorney General Pam Bondi put the onus on the country, “That’s up to El Salvador. If they want to return him, that’s not up to us.”

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele indicated Garcia will remain in CECOT, the country’s high security prison.

“Of course I’m not going to do it. The question is preposterous. How could I this model of terrorism to the United States, I don’t have the power to return him to the United States. Legitimately. Something inside of. Yeah, but I’m not releasing.”

Besides discussing border security and illegal immigration, President Trump and President Bukele also talked tariffs. Bukele is challenging Trump’s 10% baseline tariff - arguing that it complicates El Salvador’s anti-gang efforts as well as his country’s economic recovery.

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