The Trump administration is working on a “Safe Third Country” agreement with El Salvador, allowing the U.S. to deport non-Salvadoran migrants to El Salvador instead of granting them asylum in the U.S. Migrants deported under this policy would need to seek asylum in El Salvador, designated as a “safe third country.” This plan would revive a similar agreement brokered during Trump’s first term but terminated under President Biden.

The agreement would enable the U.S. to deport migrants from countries like Venezuela, including suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which Trump has prioritized targeting as part of his broader immigration crackdown. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, known for his controversial anti-gang policies, is expected to be a key ally.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit El Salvador in February to strengthen cooperation on immigration and gang suppression. Trump has already implemented sweeping immigration measures, including rapid deportations, expanded military involvement at the border, and reinstating the “Remain-in-Mexico” policy. This new agreement would further tighten U.S. immigration policies by redirecting asylum seekers and reinforcing border security initiatives.