Trump Floats Idea of Deporting US Citizens Who Commit Violent Crimes, Drawing Criticism
Washington D.C. – former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting that American citizens who commit serious crimes should be subject to deportation, a concept that has drawn sharp criticism. Trump raised the idea during a White House address, prompting legal and ethical debates.
Trump’s Remarks on Deporting Criminal Citizens
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump referenced instances of violent crime, such as individuals pushing people onto subway tracks or attacking elderly women. He stated,”We have some real criminals,and they put people into subways,and they hit them with baseball bats over the head when old ladies aren’t looking. They’re absolute animals.” He then raised the possibility of including these individuals on deportation lists.
Trump clarified that his comments were directed towards American citizens who commit severe offenses. “If they’re criminals, if they’re hitting people over the head with a baseball bat… if they’re raping 87-year-old women in Brooklyn, yes, I would include them,” Trump asserted. he questioned the notion of such individuals being a “special class,” arguing, “They’re just as bad as anybody coming in. We have bad people here.”
Context: Meeting with El Salvador‘s President
Trump’s remarks were made during a meeting with El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele. El Salvador has a history of accepting deported individuals,including those with criminal records,from the United States.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The idea of deporting U.S. citizens raises complex legal and constitutional questions. Citizenship is typically considered a fundamental right,and the Constitution protects citizens from banishment. Legal experts point out that deporting citizens would likely face significant challenges in the courts, perhaps violating the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship.
Critics argue that Trump’s proposal is not only legally dubious but also morally problematic, potentially leading to the unjust expulsion of individuals who, despite their crimes, are entitled to the rights and protections of U.S.citizenship. The remarks have ignited a debate about the balance between national security, public safety, and the constitutional rights of citizens.
Trump Floats Sending US citizens to Foreign Prisons, Sparking Outrage
former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy by suggesting the possibility of relocating American citizens convicted of crimes to prisons in other countries, specifically mentioning a plan potentially involving facilities in El Salvador.
Plan Involves El Salvador
Trump’s remarks, made during a recent discussion, alluded to a conversation with Representative Michael McCaul were the idea of housing criminals, including those involved in “domestic crime,” in foreign prisons was raised. Trump reportedly stated that el Salvador would need to “build five more places.”
Controversy and Legal Challenges
the proposal has drawn sharp criticism, with legal experts and Democratic lawmakers raising concerns about its constitutionality and practicality. The U.S. Constitution affords protections to citizens, and courts have affirmed that American citizens retain their status even upon conviction of crimes.
Loss of citizenship
While U.S. citizens are generally protected,loss of citizenship is possible only thru explicit and voluntary renunciation,such as formally giving up citizenship during wartime. In instances where citizenship has been obtained fraudulently, it can be revoked.
Democratic Backlash
Representative Gregory Meeks of New York swiftly condemned the idea of sending American citizens to foreign prisons. He characterized the proposal as a “reckless, unconstitutional idea.”
Considerations
The concept of relocating prisoners to foreign facilities raises complex legal and ethical considerations, including the guarantee of constitutional rights, due process, and humane treatment. The U.S. Constitution protects citizens, and these rights cannot be easily dismissed, even in incarceration scenarios.
US Deported Criminal Illegal Immigrants to Honduras During Trump Administration
The Trump administration deported at least 288 illegal immigrants with criminal records to Honduras, many of whom were of Honduran nationality, according to reports. Among those deported were alleged members of violent gangs such as “Aracely” and MS-13.
Controversy Over Deportation Policies Erupts
The deportations sparked controversy,with critics like Delaware representative Madinah Wilson-Anton condemning them as violations of American principles. “It openly defies everything our country is supposed to represent. In the United States,citizenship is a right,not a privilege to be arbitrarily revoked. We do not abandon our citizens — we uphold the rule of law,” Wilson-Anton stated.
US Paid Honduras Millions to Accept Detainees
The U.S. government reportedly paid Honduras approximately $6 million to house these deported convicts within its prison system, according to White House sources.
Individual Cases Draw Scrutiny
One notable case involved Honduran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported despite a Justice Department order prohibiting his removal. Officials acknowledged the deportation was a mistake, but the Trump administration stated it had no authority to return Garcia to the United States.
Bondi: Honduras Decides on Repatriation
Then-U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaking at a Trump and Booker Association event, stated, ”Whether Honduras wants to send him back, that’s up to them.”
El Salvador Refuses to Deport Alleged MS-13 Member to the U.S.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – el Salvador’s government is refusing to deport an alleged member of the MS-13 gang back to the United States, citing concerns over sending a “terrorist” to U.S. soil.
President Bukele: No Authority to Send ‘Terrorist’ to the U.S.
President Nayib Bukele stated that El Salvador will not repatriate Jose Elias Garcia Jaco, whom a U.S. judge has identified as a “verified member” of MS-13. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had designated MS-13 as a foreign terrorist association.
“How can I send a terrorist to the United States? I have no authority to send him back to the United States,” Bukele asserted.
Concerns Over Release in El Salvador
When questioned about the possibility of releasing Garcia in el Salvador, Bukele responded negatively, indicating the alleged gang member would not be freed within the country either.
Legal Wrangling in the U.S.
Garcia’s legal team has argued that recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court necessitate action to secure his release. The federal judge presiding over Garcia’s case has yet to rule on their motions.
Could the U.S. government negotiate agreements with foreign countries to house U.S. citizens convicted of crimes,and what legal hurdles would exist?
Trump’s Proposals on Criminal Citizens: A Q&A
Former President Donald Trump has recently suggested controversial ideas regarding U.S. citizens who commit crimes. These proposals involve potential deportation or relocation to foreign prisons, sparking considerable debate. Let’s delve into the details with a Q&A.
What exactly did Trump propose regarding deporting or relocating U.S. citizens who commit crimes?
Trump suggested two main ideas: deporting American citizens who commit serious crimes and relocating convicted U.S.citizens to prisons in othre countries, specifically mentioning El Salvador. [[1](https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/02/20/everything-to-know-about-trumps-mass-deportation-plans-as-president-bans-undocumented-immigrants-from-public-benefits/)]
Is it legal to deport U.S. citizens?
Generally, no.The U.S. Constitution protects citizens from banishment. legal experts agree that deporting citizens would face significant legal challenges and could violate the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. Loss of citizenship is absolutely possible, but onyl through explicit and voluntary renunciation, or if citizenship was obtained fraudulently.
Why is El Salvador relevant to these proposals?
Trump’s remarks were made during a meeting with El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele. El Salvador has a history of accepting deported individuals from the United States, including those with criminal records. Trump reportedly suggested that El Salvador would need to ”build five more places” to house these criminals. El Salvador also refused to deport an alleged MS-13 member back to the U.S. [[1](https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/02/20/everything-to-know-about-trumps-mass-deportation-plans-as-president-bans-undocumented-immigrants-from-public-benefits/)]
What is the general reaction to these proposals?
The proposals have drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, who raise concerns about their constitutionality and practicality. Critics argue that such proposals are not only legally dubious but also morally problematic. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York condemned the idea as a “reckless, unconstitutional idea.”
Has the U.S. ever deported criminals to Honduras?
Yes, during the Trump governance, the U.S. deported at least 288 illegal immigrants with criminal records to Honduras, many of whom were of Honduran nationality. The U.S. government reportedly paid Honduras approximately $6 million to house these deported convicts. [[1](https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/02/20/everything-to-know-about-trumps-mass-deportation-plans-as-president-bans-undocumented-immigrants-from-public-benefits/)]
What are the legal and ethical implications of these proposals?
the proposals raise complex legal and ethical questions, including the guarantee of constitutional rights, due process, and humane treatment.the debate centers on the balance between national security, public safety, and the constitutional rights of citizens. Some worry about potential violations of the 14th Amendment.
Understanding the legal and ethical complexities of these proposals is crucial. Stay informed and engage in discussions to ensure that constitutional rights and the rule of law are upheld.
