The Trump administration has deported over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, ignoring a federal judge’s order to halt their removal. The deportees, allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, were sent to a high-security prison despite U.S. District Judge James Boasberg blocking the use of the Alien Enemies Act for their expulsion.
Boasberg ruled that the act, historically used during wartime, didn’t apply, instructing any deportation flights to return. However, the White House defended its actions, claiming it wasn’t defying the court while also asserting its authority to proceed. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the ruling, stating, “A single judge cannot dictate the movement of an aircraft carrier full of foreign alien terrorists.”
Footage released by the Salvadoran government showed the detainees arriving at night under heavy security. President Nayib Bukele mocked the ruling’s timing on social media, posting, "Oopsie… Too late," followed by a laughing emoji. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted Bukele’s comment, thanking him for his "assistance and friendship."
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged Trump’s move and urged officials to ensure compliance with the ruling. ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt stated, “If anyone was turned over to a foreign government after the court’s order, the U.S. should work to bring them back.”
The 238 men were transferred to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a mega-prison housing up to 40,000 inmates, for a one-year term that could be extended. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, State Department, and Salvadoran government have not commented on the deportations.