In a major diplomatic development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on February 3, 2025, to discuss critical security, migration, and economic cooperation between the two nations. The high-level meeting resulted in several groundbreaking agreements aimed at reinforcing regional stability, countering transnational crime, and deepening strategic partnerships.
Crackdown on Illegal Migration and Transnational Gangs
One of the most significant outcomes of the discussions was a comprehensive agreement on migration enforcement and criminal repatriation. In an unprecedented move, President Bukele agreed to accept and incarcerate violent illegal migrants, including members of the notorious MS-13 gang and the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel. This decision is expected to strengthen U.S. border security efforts and curb gang violence across the region.
Additionally, Bukele took the extraordinary step of offering to house dangerous American criminals, including U.S. citizens and legal residents, in Salvadoran prisons—a proposal never before extended by any country. This unexpected initiative signals El Salvador’s commitment to regional security and law enforcement cooperation.
Enhancing Border Security and Intelligence Collaboration
To reinforce security efforts, Secretary Rubio announced that the U.S. will issue a waiver to unfreeze assistance supporting joint efforts between the two nations. This assistance will be used to:
✅ Bolster El Salvador’s National Passenger Analysis Center (CNAP) to detect suspicious travelers and disrupt criminal networks.
✅ Resume operations at El Salvador’s Border Security Information Group (GCIF) to enhance intelligence sharing on illegal migration routes.
✅ Support Salvadoran vetted law enforcement units working alongside U.S. agencies to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
“These measures will ensure that criminals and traffickers do not exploit weak migration enforcement,” Rubio stated. “Our cooperation with President Bukele’s administration is setting a new standard for security in the Western Hemisphere.”
Advancing Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Another major outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation, an agreement designed to strengthen El Salvador’s energy sector and promote sustainable economic growth. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco formalized the deal hours after the high-level talks.
Under this framework, both countries will explore clean nuclear energy solutions that could reduce El Salvador’s reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring strict safety and nonproliferation standards. This agreement further cements the U.S.-El Salvador alliance as part of Washington’s broader strategy to promote energy security across the region.
Countering Chinese Influence in Latin America
The discussions also addressed the growing geopolitical influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Latin America. Rubio and Bukele exchanged views on strategies to protect regional sovereignty, safeguard economic interests, and counter Beijing’s expanding presence in key sectors such as telecommunications, infrastructure, and trade.
Secretary Rubio reiterated that the United States remains committed to supporting its allies in the region, ensuring that economic development efforts are driven by transparent, fair, and democratic principles rather than coercive foreign influence.
A Strengthened U.S.-El Salvador Partnership
The agreements forged during the meeting highlight the deepening strategic relationship between the United States and El Salvador. With enhanced security cooperation, economic collaboration, and energy partnerships, both nations are working toward a safer, more prosperous future for the region.
As Secretary Rubio concluded, “The United States and El Salvador stand together in securing our borders, protecting our people, and building a future based on shared democratic values and economic opportunity.”
With these landmark agreements in place, Washington and San Salvador are poised to continue their close collaboration in tackling regional security threats, promoting economic stability, and ensuring a resilient Western Hemisphere.