In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump is exploring whether it’s legally possible to deport American citizens—specifically repeat violent offenders—to prisons in other countries, like El Salvador. But the White House says this would only happen if it turns out to be legal.

At a press briefing this week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the topic after Trump’s meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.

“He would only consider this, if legal, for Americans who are the most violent, egregious repeat offenders of crime,” Leavitt said. “The kind of criminals nobody wants living in their communities.”

What Sparked the Idea?

During his Oval Office meeting with Bukele, Trump spoke about how some crimes are so horrific, they merit more extreme consequences—even for American citizens.

“If they’re criminals… if they rape 87-year-old women in Brooklyn, why should they be treated differently?” Trump asked reporters. “They’re as bad as anybody that comes in [illegally].”

He suggested the U.S. might consider sending such offenders to other countries—like El Salvador—but admitted the idea hinges on whether the law would actually allow it.

But Can the U.S. Even Do That?

Not really, according to legal experts.

Erin Corcoran, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame, says U.S. citizens can’t be deported, no matter how serious their crimes.

“There is no provision under U.S. law that allows the government to kick out its own citizens,” she explained.

There are some exceptions, but they’re rare. For example, a naturalized citizen could potentially lose their citizenship if they committed fraud during the naturalization process or are found guilty of serious crimes like treason or terrorism. But in general, once you’re a citizen, you can’t be deported.