The United States on Sunday (local time) deported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members from Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, following President Donald Trump’s invocation of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act, CNN reported.
However, the deportation move was met with legal pushback. A federal judge issued a 14-day halt on the administration’s ability to use the act, ordering any deportation planes in the air to return to the US.
Court Blocks Further Deportations
US District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the temporary restraining order would remain in effect for 14 days or until further court directives.
“Particularly given the plaintiffs’ information, unrebutted by the government, that flights are actively departing and planning to depart, I do not believe that I’m able to wait any longer,” said Judge Boasberg.
He further directed that any planes carrying deportees that were airborne must return to the US.
US Secretary of State Confirms Deportations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that “hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country” after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act on Saturday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had arrested nearly 300 members of Tren de Aragua over the weekend.
El Salvador Agrees to Hold Gang Members in Exchange for MS-13 Leaders
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele agreed to imprison the alleged Venezuelan gang members, but in return, he demanded the extradition of two MS-13 leaders and 21 Salvadorans to face justice in their homeland.
The US will pay $6 million to El Salvador to house the deportees, as part of an agreement to support the country’s penitentiary system, which costs $200 million annually.
Bukele stated that the deal would also help law enforcement gather intelligence and track down MS-13 members.
Rubio Praises Deportation Agreement
Senator Marco Rubio expressed appreciation for El Salvador’s cooperation, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“The US sent two dangerous top MS-13 leaders plus 21 of its most wanted back to face justice in El Salvador. Also, as promised by @POTUS, we sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua, which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars.”
Tren de Aragua Labeled as Foreign Terrorist Organization
The White House has designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, stating that many of its members “unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States.”