Trump Administration Deports Over 250 Gang Members to El Salvador

President Trump announced the deportation of over 250 gang members to El Salvador, defying a federal court order. The deportees include MS-13 members and criminals from the Tren de Aragua gang. White House officials defend the action’s legality, while El Salvador’s President Bukele highlights its benefits for local security efforts.

On March 16, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the deportation of over 250 gang members to El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s order issued shortly before. The deportees, including members of the MS-13 gang and the Tren de Aragua, were documented as violent criminals. Trump expressed gratitude to El Salvador and President Nayib Bukele while criticizing his political opponents for enabling such individuals to enter the United States.

The deportees were taken to a mega-prison in El Salvador, which was a result of an agreement made between the Trump administration and President Bukele. Details shared by Fox News reporter Bill Melugin indicated that 261 illegal aliens were deported, including 21 Salvadoran MS-13 members and two identified as ringleaders of the gang, in addition to individuals convicted of various serious crimes.

In response to criticisms regarding the potential violation of a federal court order, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that the administration had not defied the order, claiming it lacked a lawful basis. She noted that federal courts have limited jurisdiction over the President’s foreign policy decisions and removal powers, especially in matters related to national security.

President Bukele confirmed that 230 members of the Tren de Aragua gang, along with 21 MS-13 members, were deported and placed in a specialized cyber-prison for one year. He emphasized the intelligence gained from these deportations would aid in combating organized crime in El Salvador, stating this initiative simultaneously strengthens both nations’ security efforts and contributes to the effective management of their prison systems.

In summary, the Trump administration’s recent deportation of over 250 gang members to El Salvador raises significant discussions on immigration enforcement and judicial authority. The administration contends that it acted in compliance with its legal mandates regarding national security. Meanwhile, the deportations have the potential to enhance El Salvador’s fight against gang violence, as officials anticipate valuable intelligence to bolster their efforts against organized crime.

Original Source: www.dailywire.com