US Deports Venezuelans to El Salvador Despite Court Order

US Deports Hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador Despite Federal Judge’s Order

The Trump administration has sparked international condemnation after deporting over 200 Venezuelans linked to the gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, defying a federal judge’s temporary restraining order. The move invokes the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a wartime statute last used during World War II, to bypass due process and expedite deportations.

Key Details of the Deportations

• Legal Basis: President Trump activated the Alien Enemies Act, which permits the president to detain or deport nationals from nations deemed enemies during declared wars. Critics argue its use is unconstitutional, as no war exists with Venezuela.
• Targeted Groups: The deportees include 238 alleged Tren de Aragua members and 23 MS-13 gang members from El Salvador. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the operation, calling it a victory for public safety.
• Timing of Flights: A federal judge issued a temporary ban on the deportations hours before the flights departed, but the administration proceeded, claiming operational secrecy. Footage from El Salvador showed detainees in handcuffs being transferred to the CECOT prison.

Legal Challenges and Controversies

• Court Order Ignored: U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg blocked the deportations on March 15, ruling the Alien Enemies Act cannot be applied outside a congressionally declared war. He ordered planes already in flight to return, but the administration claimed the deportees had already landed.
• Criticism of the Law: The ACLU and legal experts argue the act’s use is unconstitutional, as no war exists with Venezuela. Critics warn it could enable mass deportations of Venezuelans based on unproven gang affiliations.
• Attorney General’s Response: Pam Bondi accused Judge Boasberg of prioritizing “terrorists over Americans,” vowing to appeal the ruling.

International Reactions

• El Salvador’s Role: President Nayib Bukele shared footage of the deportees, calling the transfer a “minimal cost” for his nation. Critics question El Salvador’s capacity to handle the influx, given its own gang-related violence.
• Venezuela’s Condemnation: Caracas denounced the deportations as “illegal” and “reminiscent of Nazi concentration camps,” urging Latin American nations to oppose the precedent.

Broader Implications

• Human Rights Concerns: Advocacy groups warn the Alien Enemies Act could normalize arbitrary deportations, bypassing due process. New York AG Letitia James called the move “prejudiced and perilous”.
• Political Motivations: Trump has repeatedly cited Tren de Aragua in campaign rhetoric, linking immigration to crime despite studies showing no correlation.