Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) expressed on Sunday that he doubts President Trump will permit US citizens found guilty of violent offenses to be transferred to prisons in El Salvador, despite the president’s suggestion that he might be open to such an idea.
“No, ma’am. That shouldn’t be regarded as suitable or ethical,” Kennedy stated to NBC News’ Kristen Welker during an appearance on “Meet the Press.”
“We have our own legal system,” he added. “We have Article 8 of the Constitution. We shouldn’t be sending inmates abroad based on my judgment.”
Trump indicated his openness regarding sending American citizens, particularly those convicted of violent crimes, to join Salvadoran prisons during a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. He informed journalists that Attorney General Pam Bondy is looking into potential legislation on this matter.
“If it’s a criminal in my nation, I’m okay with it,” Trump remarked. “We’re examining the law now. Pam is analyzing. If we can do that, it’s beneficial. And I’m referring to violent individuals. I’m talking about truly dangerous people. So, truly dangerous individuals.”
Experts assert that there is no lawful means to deport legitimate US citizens to other nations. However, Trump and other officials have proposed these ideas several times recently, causing alarm among Democrats and legal analysts.
Bukele has collaborated with the Trump administration to repatriate hundreds of deportees, including many who do not originate from El Salvador, and has placed them in a vast prison that has faced longstanding criticism from human rights organizations.
