US Deports 17 Alleged Gang Members to El Salvador Amid Legal Challenges

The United States has deported 17 alleged gang members to El Salvador despite ongoing legal disputes over the removal process, according to the U.S. State Department.

As reported by the BBC, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the deportees included individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs. Salvadoran officials confirmed to the BBC that the group consisted of both Venezuelans and Salvadorans.

The deportations come amid a legal battle over the Alien Enemies Act, a law from 1798 historically used in wartime. Earlier this month, a federal court temporarily halted deportations under this law. However, it remains unclear under what legal basis the latest deportations were carried out.

Rubio described the deportees as “murderers and rapists” but did not provide specific details regarding their alleged crimes or any prior convictions.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele posted a video on social media showing the individuals being escorted from a plane into prison cells.