On March 16, 2025, over 250 gang members were deported from the United States to El Salvador, despite a federal court order. President Trump thanked Salvadoran President Bukele for cooperation in addressing criminal elements. White House officials defended the actions as lawful, emphasizing the administration’s authority over foreign affairs. This operation targets gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, enhancing El Salvador’s battle against organized crime.
On March 16, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the deportation of over 250 gang members from the United States to El Salvador, despite a court order issued by a federal judge appointed by former President Obama. The deportees included various criminals, with Trump labeling them as “monsters” on his Truth Social platform. He expressed gratitude towards Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for his cooperation in addressing what he described as a significant issue stemming from Democrats’ leadership failures.
The deported individuals were transported to El Salvador and subsequently delivered to a mega-prison as part of an agreement between the Trump administration and President Bukele. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin provided insights on the specifics of the deportation, noting that 261 illegal aliens were removed, which included a mixture of Venezuelans and members of the notorious MS-13 gang, among others. The crimes attributed to these deportees ranged from kidnapping to sexual abuse of minors.
In response to allegations regarding the violation of the court order, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions. She stated that the administration had not ignored the order because they believed it lacked lawful basis. Leavitt emphasized that the President’s powers under the Alien Enemies Act allowed for the removal of foreign criminals and asserted that federal courts do not typically have authority over presidential decisions related to foreign affairs.
President Bukele confirmed that out of the deportees, over 230 belonged to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, and 21 were MS-13 members, including two high-ranking leaders. He highlighted that this operation would assist El Salvador in its battle against organized crime and in gathering intelligence on gang activities. Bukele reaffirmed commitment to improving security in El Salvador and expressed appreciation for U.S. assistance in managing this issue effectively.
In summary, the Trump administration’s recent deportation of over 250 gang members to El Salvador has generated significant attention, particularly due to the legal and political implications surrounding it. Despite a federal court order, officials maintained that their actions were pursuant to their legal authority. The agreement with Salvadoran leadership aims to bolster crime-fighting efforts while enhancing intelligence on criminal organizations. This operation reflects ongoing tensions between immigration policies and judicial authority.
Original Source: www.dailywire.com
