Fact Check: Trump's Administration Paid El Salvador Millions to Accept Deported Migrants
What We Know
The claim that the Trump administration paid El Salvador millions to accept deported migrants is substantiated by multiple sources. In March 2025, it was reported that the administration agreed to pay approximately $6 million for El Salvador to house 300 migrants who were deported from the United States (AP News). This arrangement was part of a broader strategy to expedite deportations and manage the influx of migrants, particularly those with alleged gang affiliations (New York Times).
The payments were made as part of a deal that allowed the U.S. to send deportees to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). The U.S. government initially stated that the payment would be around $6 million, but later reports suggested that this amount could potentially rise to $15 million (Washington Post). This deal has been controversial, with immigrant rights groups arguing that it circumvents due process and violates constitutional rights (AP News).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable news outlets confirming the financial arrangements between the Trump administration and the Salvadoran government. The Associated Press reported on the lawsuit filed by immigrant rights groups, which highlighted the $6 million payment for housing deported migrants (AP News). Similarly, the New York Times detailed the negotiations and confirmed that the U.S. had indeed paid millions to El Salvador for this purpose (New York Times).
However, the reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The Associated Press and New York Times are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They have both covered the implications of these deportations and the associated legal challenges extensively, providing a balanced view of the situation. The Washington Post also corroborated the payment details, adding further credibility to the claim (Washington Post).
While some sources mentioned that the payments could increase to $15 million, the initial figure of $6 million remains a consistent point across reports, indicating that the claim is not only plausible but also supported by documented agreements and statements from officials (New York Times, Washington Post).
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration paid El Salvador millions to accept deported migrants is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the administration entered into a financial agreement with El Salvador, amounting to approximately $6 million, to house deported migrants. This arrangement has raised significant legal and ethical concerns, particularly regarding the treatment of deportees and the implications for their rights.
Sources
- Immigrant rights groups sue to invalidate Trump ... AP News
- Behind Trump's Deal to Deport Migrants to El Salvador New York Times
- Van Hollen says Trump administration paid El Salvador ... Washington Post
- Trump administration deports hundreds of immigrants even ... AP News
- Inside the Global Deal-Making Behind Trump's Mass ... New York Times
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP JForum
- Pourquoi la fureur de Trump et Vance contre Zelensky JForum
- Immigration Groups Sue Trump Administration Over ... Democracy Docket
