Analysis of U.S. Immigration Enforcement and Security Cooperation in 2026

May 13, 2026, 21:04
South AmericaPolitics

Introduction

The United States has started a stricter immigration enforcement strategy. This plan focuses on increasing the number of deportations to El Salvador and improving cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Main Body

Data from Salvadoran authorities show a sharp increase in repatriations. In the first quarter of 2026, 5,033 people were deported, which is a 98% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Furthermore, U.S. deportation flights worldwide rose by about 61% between 2024 and 2025. These numbers show that the U.S. is adopting a much tougher immigration policy toward Latin America. This change is supported by a closer relationship between the Trump administration and President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador. For example, they created the 'Shield of the Americas' coalition and signed a $6 million agreement to transfer and imprison foreign criminals in El Salvador. However, this partnership has faced problems. The wrong deportation of Kilmar Abrego García, a protected resident, caused a legal argument regarding human rights in Salvadoran prisons. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working to bypass 'sanctuary city' rules to catch high-risk criminals. The arrest of Valentin Galvez-Quintero, a gang member in California, demonstrates that federal and local cooperation can be effective. On the other hand, the DHS asserted that officials like New York Governor Kathy Hochul are harming public safety by trying to limit the 287(g) program, which helps remove violent offenders.

Conclusion

Current trends show that the U.S. is strictly applying deportation laws and pushing for local police cooperation, even when some regional politicians disagree.

Learning

⚡ The B2 Jump: Moving Beyond "But" and "And"

An A2 student says: "The U.S. is deporting more people, but some cities disagree."

To reach B2, you need Connectors of Contrast and Addition. These words make your writing sound professional and academic rather than basic. Let's extract them from the text.

🛠️ The Upgrade Palette

A2 Basic WordB2 Power Word (from text)How it changes the vibe
And / Also→\rightarrow FurthermoreUsed to add a stronger point to your argument.
But→\rightarrow HoweverCreates a formal pause before introducing a conflict.
But / Though→\rightarrow On the other handUsed when comparing two different sides of a situation.

🔍 Real-World Application

Look at how the author uses these to build a complex argument:

  1. The Addition: "...repatriations increased by 98%. Furthermore, deportation flights rose by 61%." →\rightarrow The author isn't just listing facts; they are building a mountain of evidence.

  2. The Pivot: *"...signed a 6millionagreement...∗∗However∗∗,thispartnershiphasfacedproblems."∗6 million agreement... **However**, this partnership has faced problems."* \rightarrow$ This signals to the reader: "Everything I just said was positive, but now we are switching to the negative."

  3. The Balance: "...cooperation can be effective. On the other hand, the DHS asserted that officials... are harming public safety." →\rightarrow This weighs two opposing perspectives against each other.

🚀 Quick Tip for Fluency

Stop starting your sentences with "But." Instead, place a period, write "However," and follow it with a comma. This single habit instantly shifts your perceived level from a beginner to an intermediate speaker.

Vocabulary Learning

deportation (n.)
The act of expelling someone from a country.
Example:The deportation of thousands of migrants increased sharply in 2026.
cooperation (n.)
Working together with others to achieve a common goal.
Example:Cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies was strengthened.
policy (n.)
A plan or set of rules that guide actions.
Example:The new immigration policy focuses on stricter enforcement.
increase (n.)
A rise or growth in number or amount.
Example:There was a 98% increase in deportations compared to last year.
relationship (n.)
A connection or association between people or organizations.
Example:A closer relationship emerged between the Trump administration and the Salvadoran president.
agreement (n.)
A formal arrangement or contract between parties.
Example:They signed a $6 million agreement to transfer foreign criminals.
criminals (n.)
People who have committed crimes.
Example:The agreement involved the imprisonment of foreign criminals in El Salvador.
problems (n.)
Difficulties or issues that need to be addressed.
Example:The partnership has faced several problems since its inception.
arrest (n.)
The act of taking someone into custody by legal authority.
Example:The arrest of Valentin Galvez‑Quintero highlighted the effectiveness of cooperation.
demonstrates (v.)
Shows or proves something clearly.
Example:The arrest demonstrates that federal and local cooperation can be effective.
public safety (n.)
The protection of the general public from danger or harm.
Example:Officials claimed that limiting the program could harm public safety.
program (n.)
A planned series of actions or events.
Example:The 287(g) program helps remove violent offenders.
offenders (n.)
People who have committed crimes, especially serious ones.
Example:The program targets violent offenders who pose a risk to communities.