South American Leaders Thank U.S. Judges For Keeping Gang Members Out Of Their Country

EL SALVADOR — Leaders across South America are sending heartfelt thanks to U.S. judges for their steadfast refusal to deport dangerous MS-13 gang members, like notorious José "El Diablo" Ramirez.

Recently visited by a group of U.S. senators in a high-security Salvadoran prison, Ramirez’s continued presence in the U.S. was ensured by judicial rulings. "We’re thrilled he’s not back here terrorizing our streets," said Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.

The judges’ decisions have effectively turned the U.S. into a safe haven for criminals South America desperately wants to keep out. Ramirez was nearly deported last year. But a U.S. judge ruled that his deportation would violate his protections, leaving South American leaders popping champagne.

At publishing time, Venezuela has offered 100,000 criminals for the U.S. to import.