Bukele Has Power to Return Deportee to U.S., Experts Say

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has the power to return a deportee to the United States, according to legal experts. This comes after Bukele made headlines for using his authority to bring back a Salvadoran man who was deported from the U.S. after serving time in prison.

The case in question involves Marvin Reyes Rivas, who was deported in 2019 after serving a five-year sentence for drug trafficking in the U.S. Reyes Rivas was recently detained in El Salvador for alleged involvement in criminal activities, prompting Bukele to take action to have him returned to the U.S.

Legal experts in El Salvador have stated that Bukele has the authority to facilitate the return of a deportee to the U.S. under certain circumstances, such as when the individual poses a threat to public safety or is deemed a flight risk. In the case of Reyes Rivas, Bukele argued that his presence in El Salvador was a danger to society and that it was in the best interest of both countries to have him sent back to the U.S.

Bukele’s decision to intervene in the case has sparked debate among legal scholars and human rights activists. Some have praised his actions as a demonstration of his commitment to fighting crime and ensuring public safety, while others have raised concerns about potential violations of due process and the rights of deportees.

Despite the controversy surrounding the case, Bukele’s ability to return a deportee to the U.S. highlights the unique powers that presidents in certain countries have when it comes to immigration and deportation issues. While the decision to bring back Reyes Rivas may have been a controversial one, it underscores the importance of cooperation between countries in addressing transnational crime and ensuring the safety of their citizens.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Bukele’s actions will impact future cases of deportees in El Salvador and whether his approach will be seen as a model for other countries facing similar challenges. In the meantime, the case of Marvin Reyes Rivas serves as a reminder of the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding deportation and the role of government leaders in addressing these issues.