PolitiFact: Nayib Bukele did not tell migrants to leave U.S. over “wars started by Donald Trump”
Key Takeaways
- A viral claim allegedly said El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele asked migrants to leave the United States because of “the wars that Donald Trump has started”; PolitiFact found no evidence he made that call.
- It has been reported that the claim circulated widely on social media, but PolitiFact rated it False after reviewing videos and official statements.
- False or misleading posts can prompt people to make risky migration decisions. Immigrants should rely on official sources (USCIS, DOJ, consulates) or legal counsel.
- Salvadorans in the U.S. may have varying legal statuses (TPS, asylum claims, lawful permanent residents, undocumented); a viral post does not change legal protections or enforcement rules.
What was claimed
It has been reported that a viral post and some social-media videos presented a message attributing to President Nayib Bukele an order or plea for Salvadoran migrants to leave the United States “because of the wars that Donald Trump has started.” That specific wording was widely shared and presented as if coming directly from Bukele. PolitiFact reviewed the sources and context for the posts and found no verifiable instance in which Bukele issued such an instruction.
Fact-check and context
PolitiFact’s review matched public statements, official government channels, and available video footage and concluded the attributed quote is inaccurate. When assessing such claims, fact-checkers examine original speeches, verified transcripts, and the official communications of foreign leaders. For people navigating U.S. immigration processes: USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and U.S. consulates are the authoritative sources for legal status, filings, and enforcement information—social posts are not.
Why it matters for migrants
Misinformation can have concrete consequences. Some Salvadorans in the U.S. hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum applications, visas, lawful permanent residency, or no lawful status at all; each group faces different legal risks. A viral claim urging mass departures could prompt people to abandon pending applications, return to unsafe conditions, or expose themselves to exploitation. If you are affected, do not act on unverified social posts—check official agency guidance, contact a licensed immigration attorney, or consult your consulate for reliable instructions.
Source: Original Article