On March 16, 2025, Trump announced the deportation of 250 gang members to El Salvador, igniting controversy due to a federal judge’s order. The deportees included dangerous criminals facing serious charges. White House officials defended the action, claiming it complied with presidential powers. Salvadoran President Bukele highlighted the operation’s benefits in combating organized crime.
On March 16, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the deportation of over 250 gang members, including individuals associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Salvadoran MS-13, back to El Salvador. This operation ignited controversy as it took place despite an order from an Obama-appointed federal judge to refrain from deportations. Trump’s administration shared video footage of the deportees’ arrival, emphasizing their stance regarding the ongoing immigration policies and responsibilities of the Biden administration.
The deportees were received at a mega-prison in El Salvador, a detail confirmed through an agreement with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Specifics from the deportation, reported by Fox News, noted that of the 261 illegal aliens sent back, 137 were deported under the Alien Enemies Act, while others included Venezuelans and 21 identifiable MS-13 members. The crimes associated with these deportees were severe, including kidnapping and sexual abuse of minors.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed claims that the administration defied the federal court order, asserting that the order lacked lawful backing and had no relevance to the physical expulsion of the criminals. She emphasized that federal courts typically do not govern the President’s foreign affairs actions under Article II powers, particularly in scenarios involving alien threats.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele provided further details surrounding the deported individuals, emphasizing the significance of returning criminals organized under Tren de Aragua and MS-13. He noted that the inclusion of key gang members would assist in dismantling remnants of organized crime in El Salvador, leveraging intelligence gathered from these individuals as a strategic advantage in their ongoing fight against gangs.
The government of El Salvador also prepared facilities for the prisoners, placing them under detention for a period of one year at the Terrorism Confinement Center. Bukele expressed optimism regarding the arrangement, describing it as beneficial for both national security and collaborative international relations.
The Trump administration’s controversial deportation of over 250 gang members back to El Salvador highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and judicial authority. By aligning with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, the administration aims to bolster efforts against organized crime. The legal context surrounding these deportations underlines significant debates about presidential authority in matters of foreign affairs and immigration laws. The collaboration is seen as a step toward enhanced security for both nations.
Original Source: www.dailywire.com
