Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves to address the Trump administration's focus on immigration enforcement. This meeting follows an agreement with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to accept U.S. deportees of any nationality, including American criminals.
Rubio's visit to the U.S. embassy in San Jose coincides with significant changes at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), causing concern among employees. The State Department anticipates questions regarding the USAID turmoil and Bukele's offer to receive migrants and American prisoners.
Bukele confirmed El Salvador's willingness to host convicted criminals from the U.S., aiming to outsource part of the American prison system. The State Department highlights El Salvador's prison conditions as harsh and dangerous, with inadequate provisions for basic needs.
El Salvador declared a state of emergency in March 2022 due to a surge in gang violence, leading to mass arrests and suspension of fundamental rights. Bukele's administration opened a new prison for gang members, implementing strict measures and limited rehabilitation programs.
Despite its violent past, El Salvador reported a significant drop in homicides last year, attributing the improved security to Bukele's policies.
Migration remains a key focus of Rubio's Central American tour, with recent stops in Panama and El Salvador. Meanwhile, USAID faced disruptions in Washington as Elon Musk proposed shutting down the agency, prompting layoffs and program closures.
Rubio, now acting as USAID's administrator, plans to reorganize the agency in coordination with Congress to enhance foreign relations efforts. The State Department aims to absorb certain USAID functions and streamline operations to align with the President's objectives.
