President Donald Trump has forced the deportation of more than 200 Venezuelans accused of gang affiliation to a supermax prison in El Salvador. He has carried on with this despite a federal judge’s order blocking their removal.
The White House claims the individuals are members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, but neither the U.S. nor El Salvador has provided details confirming their criminal ties.
El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of 238 alleged Tren de Aragua members, along with 23 suspected MS-13 affiliates, on Sunday morning. Sharing footage of their transfer to a high-security prison, Bukele touted the move as part of his administration’s ongoing crackdown on organized crime.
The deportations have sparked controversy, as a U.S. federal judge had barred the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act—a centuries-old wartime law—to justify their removal. However, by the time the ruling was issued, the flights had already taken off, effectively circumventing the court’s decision.
Legal experts warn that the move could set a dangerous precedent, raising concerns about executive overreach and due process violations.
Rights groups have also criticized the lack of transparency, noting that the individuals deported have not been publicly identified or formally linked to criminal activity.
