Guardian: Jordana Timerman: Trump has found in El Salvador a model for the repressive state he wants to build – and he’s just getting started
The Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot) maximum security prison in El Salvador is the crown jewel of President Nayib Bukele’s efforts to quash not only criminal gangs, but also criticism and political opposition to his government. The “mega-prison” is also one of the more visible destinations in the emerging map of American deportations — a sprawling archipelago that includes conservative US districts, the Guantánamo military base and Central American waypoints connected by a tangle of military and charter flights.
That the two states have connected their penal architecture is no coincidence. Donald Trump’s aggressive policies towards foreigners build on Bukele’s infamous iron fist crackdown against criminal gangs: it’s a political toolkit that leverages anti-establishment anger to justify an authoritarian slide. In deploying strongman tactics to address social concerns, both leaders also cultivate a chilling culture of fear.
Bukele’s visit this week to Washington DC — where Trump urged him to build more prisons in order to receive US citizens convicted of crimes — showcased the results of the alliance: the internationalisation of the Bukele method.
Vox: The Supreme Court signals it’s lost patience with Trump’s illegal deportations
The Court’s late night order in A.A.R.P. appears to be crafted to ensure that this notice and opportunity for a hearing mandated by J.G.G. actually takes place. It is just one paragraph, and states that “the Government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order of this Court.” It also invites the Justice Department to respond to the ACLU’s application “as soon as possible.”
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the A.A.R.P. order. Though neither has explained why yet, the order says that a statement from Alito will come soon.
Guardian: Protesters fill the streets in cities across the US to denounce Trump agenda
Organizers call for 11 million people to march and rally in this weekend’s effort to ‘protect democracy’
Last Updated: 19.Apr.2025 23:56 EDT
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