President Donald Trump recently shared a video showing the arrival of over 250 deported individuals in El Salvador. This event took place on March 16, 2025, after the U.S. government deported these individuals despite a federal judge’s order issued just days earlier. The deportees included members of notorious gangs, specifically 238 associated with Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and 23 from the MS-13 gang.
In his statement, Trump criticized President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party for what he described as a failure in leadership that allowed such individuals to enter the U.S. He thanked El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for cooperating with the U.S. in this matter. The deportees were taken directly to a mega-prison in El Salvador, as part of an agreement between the two governments.
Fox News reporter Bill Melugin provided further details on the deportees. He noted that among the 261 individuals deported, many were removed under the Alien Enemies Act. The crimes they were accused of included serious offenses like kidnapping and sexual abuse of minors.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, asserting that they did not violate the court order, which she claimed lacked lawful basis. She emphasized that the President has the authority to manage foreign affairs and handle the removal of foreign criminals.
President Bukele also spoke about the deported individuals, highlighting the importance of their return for El Salvador’s efforts against organized crime. He mentioned that the U.S. had sent back 23 MS-13 members who were wanted in El Salvador, including two ringleaders. Bukele expressed optimism that this would aid in the fight against organized crime in his country.
This deportation marks a significant moment in U.S.-El Salvador relations, showcasing how both nations are working together to address issues related to gang violence and crime.