In a rare public rebuke, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has condemned the Trump administration’s proposal to incarcerate U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes in foreign prisons, specifically in El Salvador. Kennedy labeled the idea as “inappropriate, immoral, and against U.S. law,” emphasizing that American citizens should not be sent to foreign prisons under any circumstances.
The controversy centers around the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man deported from the U.S. despite a court order preventing his removal. The deportation, carried out under the Alien Enemies Act, has been criticized for violating due process and court directives. The Supreme Court has since intervened, ordering the administration to facilitate Garcia’s return.
President Trump has suggested expanding this approach by proposing the deportation of U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes to El Salvador’s CECOT prison. Legal experts warn that such actions would likely violate the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the involuntary expatriation of citizens and ensures due process rights.
Senator Kennedy’s stance underscores a growing concern among lawmakers about the administration’s immigration and criminal justice policies. While Kennedy has previously supported strict immigration enforcement, he draws the line at measures that infringe upon constitutional protections for U.S. citizens.
The administration’s proposal has sparked a broader debate about the balance between national security and individual rights. As legal challenges mount and public scrutiny intensifies, the future of this controversial policy remains uncertain.
