The United States has deported hundreds of Venezuelans, alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang, to El Salvador despite a federal court order temporarily blocking such deportations. This move by the Trump administration involved invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used wartime law that allows for expedited deportations without due process.
Key Points:
Deportation Details: Over 200 Venezuelans were deported, with some reports indicating more than 250 individuals were involved. Additionally, 23 members of the MS-13 gang were also deported.
Legal Background: U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg issued an order on Saturday evening to halt the deportations, but flights were already in the air, and he did not include a directive to turn them around in his written order.
Reaction from El Salvador: President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of the deportees and stated they would be held in a maximum-security prison for a year, with the possibility of extension.
International Response: Venezuela condemned the deportations, calling them illegal and a violation of human rights.
Context and Implications:
Diplomatic Agreement: The U.S. has agreed to pay El Salvador to house these individuals, marking a strengthening of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Legal Challenge: The Trump administration has appealed the court’s decision, indicating plans to continue using the Alien Enemies Act for future deportations.
This unprecedented action has raised significant legal and human rights concerns, with the Venezuelan government strongly criticizing the move.