US Deports Over 200 Venezuelan Gang Members to El Salvador

The U.S. has deported over 250 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, utilizing the rarely invoked 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite the process amid ongoing legal challenges. The deportees were transferred to a notorious high-security prison in El Salvador, where they will be housed for a year at a cost of $6 million. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of 238 Tren de Aragua members alongside 23 MS-13 gang members, emphasizing the operation's role in combating organized crime and enhancing national security. Despite a federal judge temporarily blocking the deportations, the U.S. proceeded with the transfers, prompting criticism from Venezuela, which condemned the move as a violation of human rights. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the operation, highlighting the collaboration with El Salvador in addressing gang violence. This deportation marks a significant step in Trump's immigration policy, which has faced legal scrutiny and opposition from human rights advocates.