Staff Reports
Nayib Bukele, the tough-as-nails president of El Salvador, has landed in the U.S. at a time when gang members are being deported back to his country. This isn’t just a casual meet-and-greet; it’s a significant event that underscores the shifting dynamics in U.S.-Central America relations. Of all things, Donald Trump, the former president known for his hardline stance on immigration, has invited Bukele to the White House. Talk about a power move. Clearly, the relationship between these two men is as strong as ever.
Meanwhile, in 2021, Joe Biden had the chance to meet Bukele but opted out, fearing that such an encounter would be perceived as an endorsement of Bukele’s firm immigration policies. Imagine turning down a meeting with a leader who took drastic actions to curb crime—actions that brought safety back to his war-torn country. But the left seems more concerned about theoretical “human rights concerns” than actual human safety. It’s baffling that they fail to recognize that under Bukele, crime rates have nosedived, making El Salvador one of the safest spots for both locals and tourists.
To put this newfound safety into context, the U.S. State Department recently tagged El Salvador with a Level 1 travel advisory, which means visitors should just exercise normal precautions. In comparison, Western European nations like France and the U.K. are sitting pretty at Level 2 advisories, largely due to potential threats like terrorism and civil unrest. To say Bukele has turned things around is an understatement. Considering the mass migrations to the U.S. during the days when gangs ruled the streets, it’s no wonder that some citizens are packing their bags to return home to a safer El Salvador.
Bukele Arrives in the U.S. as More Gang Members Are Deported to El Salvadorhttps://t.co/fWAOl9oN01
— PJ Media (@PJMedia_com) April 13, 2025
As if to underscore the ongoing gang problem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made headlines announcing that the U.S. is sending ten more members of notorious gangs MS-13 and Tren de Aragua back to El Salvador just as Bukele arrives. This bizarre timing could not be more telling. Clearly, the Biden administration has a different approach to dealing with the gang menace, as they still don’t seem to grasp that these gangs aren’t just your average criminal organization; they’re foreign terrorist organizations responsible for unimaginable atrocities, including gruesome violence that keeps entire communities paralyzed by fear.
In contrast, Bukele’s iron-fisted approach is yielding results. The man has an approval rating that would make most politicians in the U.S. weep with envy. As he prepares to meet Trump, one can only hope that this partnership will further strengthen U.S.-El Salvador relations, a counter to the chaos that the left appears to favor. The reality is that when it comes to tackling the gang crisis, there’s no time for half-measures or wishful thinking—just ask the folks in El Salvador who are finally experiencing some peace.
