Trump and Bukele agree to ‘end’ the Tren de Aragua

“Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with the President of the Republic of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele. Both leaders discussed the possibility of working together to stop illegal immigration and dismantle transnational gangs like the Tren de Aragua. President Trump also praised President Bukele’s leadership and his example for other nations in the region,” the statement said.

Classifying Criminal Groups as Terrorist Organizations

On Monday, January 20, Trump signed an executive order declaring several criminal groups as terrorist organizations. These include Mexican cartels, the Tren de Aragua, and the Salvadoran gang MS-13. This classification places these groups on the same level as organizations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda.

The order also bans U.S. businesses and citizens from providing support to these groups, such as financial or material aid.

Trump’s Statements

During a press conference at the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged that the measures could strain relations with Mexico. “Mexico probably doesn’t want this,” he remarked, hinting at possible diplomatic challenges. When asked about potential military action in Mexico, he responded ambiguously: “It could happen; stranger things have happened.”

Actions Against the Tren de Aragua and MS-13

The Trump administration plans to deport members of the Tren de Aragua found in the U.S. This gang is active in multiple South American countries and had already been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Meanwhile, the MS-13 gang, which operates mainly in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, has faced sanctions since 2012. The new measures aim to tackle the growing threats posed by these criminal organizations, which are involved in activities such as human trafficking and business extortion.