During her official visit to El Salvador, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, toured the prisons where her country’s deported criminals are held.

According to reports in the Salvadoran national press, Noem visited the Terrorist Preservation Center (CECOT) in Tecoluca, considered the largest high-security prison in the Americas. Noem shared images on social media platform X showing the iron bars where the prisoners are kept.

“YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF IN PRISON” In her post, Secretary Noem stated that she visited the prison and warned, “President Trump and I have a clear message for criminals and illegal immigrants committing crimes: Leave now! If you don’t leave, we will find you, arrest you, and you could find yourself in this El Salvador prison.” Salvadoran officials noted that Noem’s visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation between the two countries. U.S.-EL SALVADOR COOPERATION The statement highlighted that Noem examined the results of El Salvador’s Regional Control Plan and anti-gang policies as part of joint efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to enhance security in the region. Additionally, a new collaboration protocol was signed during the visit under the “Security Alliance for Fugitive Apprehension” (SAFE) between the U.S. and El Salvador. CONTINUED JOINT EFFORTS This agreement aims to facilitate faster sharing of criminal records and data on fugitives. Officials emphasized that the collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador in the fight against gangs will continue to strengthen.