PHOENIX — Kristi Noem warned that tens of thousands more criminal migrants could be detained and sent to El Salvador’s notorious Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT) prison following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
“We will continue our partnership with El Salvador. CECOT has space for 40,000 inmates, and President Nayib Bukele has offered to take as many as we can send,” the Department of Homeland Security Secretary stated.
“Currently, there are 14,000 detainees, and he plans to build an additional prison right next to it.”
Noem toured the infamous prison last month.
The revelation emerged during a federal raid in Phoenix on Tuesday morning, led by Noem, in which three convicted felon migrants were apprehended.
“We will keep utilizing that act to ensure individuals from terrorist organizations face consequences and are removed from our country,” she stated.
Noem also emphasized new provisions of the Alien Registration Act of 1940, set to take effect on April 11. The law mandates that foreign nationals who have been in the U.S. for 30 days or more must register with the federal government or risk fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took part in a multi-agency law enforcement raid targeting wanted criminals in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 8, 2025. Noem cautioned that illegal migrants are now considered criminals as the Trump administration works to address the migrant situation.
As a result of that act, she stated, “everyone in this country illegally” will face criminal charges.
She also noted that with the expiration of the Alien Registration Act, “everyone in this country illegally” is now liable for criminal charges.
“Everyone should be aware that by enforcing the Alien Registration Act, if you’ve been here for more than 30 days and haven’t registered with the government, we are now pursuing criminal charges against you,” she warned.
“This means we can enter your home, charge you, and remove you, with fines of up to $1,000 per day,” she continued, adding that federal agencies now have full authority to ensure “only American citizens are granted the rights of being in this country.”
