In January, Erik Prince, known for his controversial history in private security and a steadfast ally of former President Donald Trump, convened a meeting with executives in Washington, D.C. to discuss how private security firms could assist the new Trump administration in deporting millions of undocumented immigrants. During this meeting, one proposal that piqued Prince’s interest was the concept of sending migrants with criminal records to another country for detention until they could be returned home.
Prince has recently fortified his relationship with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, a development that not everyone at the meeting was aware of. This connection took flight just before Trump’s victory in November when they began discussions about El Salvador accepting undocumented migrants from the U.S. Following Prince’s exit from the meeting, he expressed his intent to pitch the detention proposal directly to Bukele.
Soon after, Bukele and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in San Salvador that El Salvador would accept and detain thousands of undocumented and potentially violent immigrants from the U.S., as well as “dangerous American criminals” jailed in El Salvador. This bold offer raised eyebrows as it involved a foreign leader publicly communicating plans to detain U.S. citizens abroad.
Notably, Prince’s influence seems to have once again garnered traction within the Trump administration, renewing connections he had lost during Trump’s first term. Blackwater, the firm he founded, had previously faced significant backlash after a deadly incident in Iraq, which ultimately led to severe scrutiny and a ban from the Pentagon.
As of late, Prince has been seen frequently at the Pentagon and has been privately communicating with key officials within the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Council. His aims include utilizing his private contractor network for diverse Trump administration initiatives, including controversial proposals for mass deportations.
Among these proposals was a 26-page document suggesting the onboarding of private security contractors, including retired law enforcement and military personnel, to swiftly deport undocumented immigrants. Sources noted that Prince has consistently sought opportunities to become a central advisor in areas concerning national security and immigration overhaul under Trump’s leadership.
Despite pushbacks and previous failures associated with his ideas, Prince remains assertive in his lobbying, pitching plans for using private contractors in operations against threats such as Houthi rebels in Yemen. While Prince’s influence is evident, skepticism looms around the legality and ethics of deploying mercenary forces for mass deportations—a concept criticized by many former officials who deem it both dangerous and un-American.
Amid these efforts, Prince has aligned himself with a cadre of Trump allies looking to strengthen his position in the administration. His engagement with Bukele refers back to a notable appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) where he expressed admiration for Bukele’s aggressive stance against gang violence in El Salvador, noting the potential for an alliance beneficial to U.S. immigration strategies.
Prince has also made it known that he feels a personal affinity for El Salvador, remarking on the country’s appealing culture, particularly its surf spots. With Trump back in office, Prince appears poised to wield significant influence over the future of U.S. immigration policy and broader foreign relations, as many approach his ascendance with a mix of caution and critique.
The dynamics of this evolving scenario underscore the formidable intersection of private security and governmental policy, marking another chapter in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration reform and international partnerships in the Trump era. As developments unfold, the implications of Prince’s proposals and connections will likely remain a focal point within the administration’s controversial policy landscape.