Representative Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, is stirring debate after posting about his visit to the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a notorious maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Moore shared photos of his tour, including one of himself flashing a thumbs-up, which quickly gained attention online.
CECOT has become a focal point in discussions about U.S. deportations, particularly those linked to an agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador, valued at $6 million. The agreement, initiated under the Trump administration, allowed for the detention of certain deported individuals in the facility. While the prison is known for housing alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela, the identities of those deported and their connections to criminal activity remain largely undisclosed by U.S. authorities. Alleged gang affiliation is sometimes determined by tattoos or clothing, rather than concrete evidence of involvement in U.S.-based crimes.
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One of the most controversial cases tied to the facility is that of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported to El Salvador due to what later was acknowledged as an administrative error. Abrego Garcia, a father of three, had no criminal record in either country. Initially accused of being affiliated with MS-13 based on a police document written by a suspended officer, his case went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that he should be allowed to return to the U.S.
Moore’s social media post about the prison sparked varied responses. While some criticized the congressman’s casual tone and approach, others, including local West Virginia official Jill Upson, expressed support for his stance. Moore used the visit to reinforce his support for former President Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which he believes are essential for securing the U.S. border.
The visit and its aftermath have added fuel to ongoing debates over deportation practices and the treatment of individuals who are sent to prisons abroad. As Moore continues to back stricter immigration policies, the controversy surrounding the CECOT facility and the cases it houses is likely to remain a point of contention in U.S. immigration discussions.