Dear John,

Monday’s meeting between President Nayib Bukele and former President Donald Trump at the White House was disturbing—but sadly, not surprising. The two leaders, once again, leaned into a narrative that prioritizes punitive security policies over human rights, and power over accountability. Their mutual admiration, on full display, offered a chilling reminder of how quickly democratic principles can be sidelined when authoritarian impulses are celebrated rather than challenged.

Two moments stood out as especially alarming. First, before the press entered but while the meeting was already being live streamed, Trump turned to Bukele and said he hoped to send “homegrowns” next, in reference to sending U.S. citizens to El Salvador’s prison. Second, Bukele’s public refusal to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling ordering the return of Kilmar Abrego García—a U.S. resident who was wrongfully deported and is now being held in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador. 

At WOLA, we are deeply concerned by these developments and the dangerous precedent they set. But we’re not standing idly by. On Monday, just ahead of the meeting, we published an article, unpacking the dangers presented by Bukele and his security model, which was picked up widely, including on the front page of Salvadoran publication the El Diario de Hoy. In response to the meeting, we published a “fact check” on what was said, breaking down the truth behind the promises and praise. We've also supported Congressional oversight, including the April 11 Dear Colleague letter led by Members of Congress demanding answers about the U.S.-El Salvador agreement. We also connected Senator Van Hollen with our partners in El Salvador and prepared him for his trip that is currently underway. And we've been bringing this issue to wider audiences: I’ve been interviewed by several major new publications, including NPR, the New York Times, and DW. I was also featured on the podcast Background Briefing to break down the implications of this troubling visit.

Though the path ahead may be difficult, I want to assure you that WOLA is not backing down. We are committed to exposing authoritarian abuses, defending human rights, and supporting democratic resilience. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

Your support of WOLA creates space to amplify the voices of those who put their life on the line to champion human rights; from Caracas, to San Salvador, and everywhere in between.

“I have no words. If [Bukele] has any remaining commitment to democratic norms, he has an obligation to resolve this case [of wrongfully deported Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Abrego García]."

Ana María Méndez Dardón

Director for Central America

– The New York Times, El Salvador’s Hard-Line Leader Is Linchpin in Trump’s Deportation Plans

“There's not that much you can do to make the experience more miserable for people than the conditions that they're fleeing to begin with."

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– NPR, Should I stay or go? Immigrants across U.S. consider self-deportation

"Bukele's government has also gone to war with human rights advocates, detaining at least 21 of them, according to a U.S.-based think tank, the Washington Office on Latin America. The group on Monday warned against Trump's alliance with Bukele. 'Behind the handshake and praise lie grave human rights violations and threats to democracy,' it said." 

WOLA

– Los Angeles Times, Salvadoran president says he won't return man deported by mistake

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