Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that 17 individuals identified as members of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs have been deported to El Salvador. This move comes amid ongoing legal challenges regarding the Trump administration’s authority to deport suspected gang members labeled as terrorists.
Rubio stated that these individuals were part of a successful counter-terrorism operation conducted with the support of the Salvadoran government. While he did not reveal their identities, he mentioned that some of them were convicted of serious crimes, including murder and rape. He emphasized that this action was taken to enhance the safety of American communities.
In a joint statement, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele confirmed the operation. He shared a video showing the deported gang members being escorted from a U.S. Air Force plane and into custody in El Salvador. Bukele noted that all those transferred were confirmed murderers, including six who had committed child rape. He described this operation as a significant step in combating terrorism and organized crime.
Earlier in the month, the Trump administration had already deported 250 suspected gang members to El Salvador. However, this has sparked a legal dispute, as Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary order preventing the administration from deporting illegal migrants under the Alien Enemies Act. The Justice Department has responded by invoking state secrets privilege, arguing that national security concerns limit the information that can be shared about these deportations.
The situation has escalated, with the Justice Department asking the Supreme Court to intervene. They argue that the judge’s orders could jeopardize sensitive negotiations with foreign governments.
This recent deportation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on gang violence and protect American citizens.
