Fact Check: "Trump's deal with Bukele threatens efforts to dismantle MS-13."
What We Know
The claim centers on a deal made between former President Donald Trump and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, which allegedly undermines U.S. efforts to dismantle the notorious MS-13 gang. According to a New York Times investigation, the deal involved the U.S. returning over 200 MS-13 leaders to El Salvador in exchange for Bukele accepting deported migrants into a newly constructed prison. This arrangement has raised concerns among U.S. prosecutors, who believe it could compromise ongoing investigations into MS-13 and potentially allow these leaders to avoid prosecution in the U.S.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration's deal is not only a departure from Trump's stated goal of eradicating MS-13 but also that it may have been influenced by a corrupt pact between Bukele's government and MS-13 leaders. Investigators have gathered substantial evidence suggesting that Bukele's administration may have offered incentives to gang leaders in exchange for political support, including cash and privileges while incarcerated (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Trump's deal with Bukele threatens efforts to dismantle MS-13 is substantial. Multiple sources, including the New York Times and ProPublica, detail how the return of MS-13 leaders could undermine ongoing federal cases against them. Prosecutors have expressed concerns that these leaders' return to El Salvador could discourage cooperation from other defendants and potentially lead to the dropping of charges against key figures in MS-13.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are reputable news organizations with a history of investigative journalism. The New York Times, in particular, has a strong track record of covering complex issues related to crime and politics, often relying on extensive interviews and internal documents. Furthermore, the investigation involved interviews with over 30 individuals familiar with the U.S.-El Salvador relationship and the MS-13 inquiry, lending credibility to the findings (source-1).
On the other hand, Bukele has publicly denied any corrupt agreements with MS-13 leaders, which raises questions about potential bias in his statements. However, the evidence presented by U.S. prosecutors and investigative journalists suggests a troubling relationship between his administration and the gang (source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's deal with Bukele threatens efforts to dismantle MS-13 is True. The evidence indicates that the arrangement could significantly undermine U.S. investigations into the gang, contradicting Trump's own pledges to eradicate it. The deal not only facilitates the return of gang leaders but also raises concerns about the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings against them, potentially allowing them to evade justice.
