Congressman Riley Moore Advocates for Tough Stance on Gang Violence Following Visit to Salvadoran Mega-Prison
Freshman Congressman Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) has reinforced his commitment to supporting the Trump administration’s initiatives aimed at bolstering U.S. security against criminal elements during a recent visit to the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador. Moore described his experiences at the prison as motivating, highlighting the severity of the issues posed by deported gang members now residing in the facility.
A Controversial Facility
CECOT has drawn national scrutiny due to its role in housing some of the most dangerous criminals, including many deported from the United States. Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, have accused the Trump administration of improperly detaining individuals, labeling it as “kidnapping.”
Insights from the Tour
During his tour, which included a congressional delegation led by House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Moore encountered numerous inmates, some of whom openly acknowledged their violent histories. Among the inmates were deportees from the U.S. with criminal backgrounds, including affiliations with notorious gangs such as MS-13.
“These are dangerous individuals… Several of them told us they are killers and have committed homicides,” Moore stated, reflecting on the conversations he had with inmates during his visit.
Debunking Myths
Moore emphasized that many misconceptions exist regarding the conditions of CECOT. Contrary to being labeled as a “death camp,” he clarified that of the approximately 14,000 inmates, only a fraction had been deported from the U.S., suggesting that these individuals faced significant challenges but were not living in fatal conditions.
Impact on Local Community
Moore also noted a positive change in public safety in El Salvador, attributing this to the actions taken by President Nayib Bukele against gang violence. Locals expressed relief at the increased security, allowing them a semblance of normalcy in daily life.
“They were living in a terror state, being controlled by gangs. Now they have their lives back,” Moore reported, highlighting the community’s sentiments.
A Call for Security
Concluding his perspectives, Moore articulated the notion that national security serves as the foundation for a stable society. He lamented the lost opportunities for youth ensnared in gang culture and called for continued efforts to tackle these issues, emphasizing:
“The fundamental building block of any nation state is security. Without security, we cannot have economic opportunities or a functioning civil society.”
Looking Ahead
As Congressman Moore returns from his visit, his resolve to champion policies that prioritize security and combat gang violence appears stronger than ever, reinforcing his commitment to collaborate with the Trump administration in addressing these critical challenges.
