The US deported 238 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, to El Salvador by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This military law, previously used sparingly, allowed quick expulsions bypassing usual immigration processes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed these deportations, thanking El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele for his collaboration. Despite a federal judge's suspension order, the individuals were already en route to El Salvador. The situation escalates tensions between the countries as Venezuela's government condemned these actions.
"Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country," Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele said Sunday on X.
Hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country," he said in a statement. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for playing a pivotal role in this transfer."
The order applied to all Venezuelan Tren de Aragua members who are over 14 and not naturalized US citizens or lawful permanent residents.
The wartime authority has only been invoked three times before during the War of 1812, and World Wars I and II.
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