Trump Ally Proposes Immigration Detention in El Salvador

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In late January, Erik Prince, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and a controversial private security contractor, convened a meeting of executives to explore strategies for deporting millions of undocumented migrants. One proposal involved relocating migrants with criminal records to a foreign country for detention while awaiting repatriation.

During that meeting, Prince mentioned a developing relationship with El Salvador‘s President Nayib Bukele, which not all attendees were aware of. Shortly after, Bukele publicly announced plans to accept potentially hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants from the U.S. for detention in his country, a move that raised significant legal concerns.

Standing next to Secretary of State Marco Rubio in February, Bukele declared that El Salvador would also accommodate “dangerous American criminals.” The implications of detaining U.S. citizens in a foreign nation prompted scrutiny from legal experts and advocates.

The State Department has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Bukele’s offer, although the interaction underscores Prince’s reintegration into Trump’s political sphere after facing previous bans from high-level government discussions. Sources indicate that Prince is leveraging his influence within the renewed Trump administration to push long-standing policy agendas that could also benefit his business interests.

Once marginalized during Trump’s first term, Prince has made a notable return to Washington. Sources report he is seeking positions on key advisory boards within the Department of Defense, which could facilitate direct interactions with senior military officials.

Notably, Prince’s reputation had suffered due to past controversies, including his private military company, Blackwater, which faced backlash following a deadly incident in Iraq in 2007 that resulted in civilian casualties.

Despite his tarnished image, discussions surrounding immigration enforcement have provided Prince with fresh opportunities, including a 26-page proposal aimed at deploying private contractors—comprised of retired federal officers and military personnel—to oversee deportations.

One insider commented, “Every crisis, he finds a way to poke his nose in. He is constantly presenting plans to fix national security issues.” The proposal emphasizes the urgency in addressing logistical challenges associated with mass deportation efforts.

Prince is also reportedly advocating for operations against militant groups, such as Houthi rebels in Yemen, utilizing private military contractors—an idea that has yet to gain traction within the administration.

Internationally, reports indicate that Prince is seeking a partnership with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa to combat narcoterrorism, promoting his security firm’s involvement to tackle escalating crime.

Critics express alarm at the potential ramifications of Prince’s proposals. Jason P. Houser, former chief of staff for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Biden, labeled the idea of outsourcing mass deportations as “a dangerous, un-American escalation.”

Despite inquiries, Prince declined to elaborate on his recent initiatives when approached by CNN.

As Prince’s connections with Trump’s administration grow, insiders speculate that his proposals for immigration reform may continue to emerge. His past interactions with Bukele have fostered a strategic, yet controversial alliance, with both parties benefiting from potential political gains.

As for Prince’s future role, he appears committed to solidifying his influence within the Trump administration and remains a figure to watch in the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy.