El Salvador to Double Mega-Prison Amid Deportations

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is planning to double the capacity of the country's mega-prison, CECOT, to 80,000 inmates in response to the Trump administration's ongoing deportation of alleged gang members and other migrants. The prison, already the world's largest and housing about 15,000 people—including hundreds deported from the U.S. under a $6 million agreement—has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups for harsh conditions and alleged abuses. Donald Trump has suggested expanding the prison further to accommodate Americans convicted of violent crimes, a controversial idea raising legal and constitutional concerns. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the expansion and said there is no intention to return deportees to the U.S. International scrutiny has intensified after reports of wrongful detentions, such as that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite court orders. The expansion highlights deepening U.S.-El Salvador cooperation on immigration enforcement amid ongoing legal and ethical debates.