The Trump administration announced on Sunday a significant operation resulting in the deportation of hundreds of individuals. This decisive action was taken after President Donald Trump invoked a sweeping wartime authority aimed at expediting the deportations of migrants allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The announcement follows a dramatic turn of events where a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's ability to utilize the Alien Enemies Act, a law only employed three times in the past, on Saturday evening.
In an unexpected ruling, the judge ordered any planes currently in the air carrying these migrants to return to the United States. US District Judge James Boasberg stated, “Particularly given the plaintiffs’ information, unrebutted by the government, that flights are actively departing and planning to depart, I do not believe that I’m able to wait any longer.” This ruling imposed a temporary restraining order that will remain in effect for 14 days or until further notice from the court.
Reports indicate that some planes were already in transit when the judge issued his ruling. Judge Boasberg emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring that any flight carrying these individuals must return to the US immediately.
In response to these developments, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that under the president’s direction, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) arrested nearly 300 members of Tren de Aragua during the weekend. This action came shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that “hundreds of violent criminals were sent out of our country” as a direct result of Trump’s orders on Saturday.
Rubio extended his gratitude to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for agreeing to imprison the deported alleged criminals. He stated that Bukele had requested the return of two leaders of the notorious MS-13 gang along with 21 other Salvadorans currently held in the US to “face justice in their homeland.” The US government will provide $6 million to El Salvador to support housing these deportees, a cost that will help sustain the country’s penitentiary system, which currently incurs an annual expense of $200 million.
President Bukele announced that the members of Tren de Aragua would be transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, where they will be held for one year. His social media update included a video showcasing the deported individuals being escorted off buses in handcuffs and having their heads shaved. In a post commenting on the judge's ruling that required deportation flights to return, Bukele cheekily remarked, “oopsie…too late.”
In light of the unfolding events, CNN reached out to both the State Department and the White House for further details regarding the timing of the flights. Republican Senator Mike Rounds expressed confidence that the executive branch was adhering to the law, despite concerns about possible violations of the court order. “We expect the executive branch to follow the law... That will remain consistent,” Rounds stated, advocating for the use of every legal means to deport individuals deemed threats to public safety.
Initially, Judge Boasberg had blocked the administration from deporting five individuals who had challenged Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. However, following a swift hearing, the judge expanded the temporary block to encompass all noncitizens in US custody who would be affected by Trump’s proclamation.
Legal experts, including constitutional law professor Carl Tobias, have raised concerns that the Trump administration may have violated the court's order during this tumultuous period. Tobias noted that if the administration disregarded the judge’s directive, it could face stricter orders and potential civil or criminal contempt charges. He emphasized the broader implications of this case, stating it raises significant questions about national security and the treatment of deported individuals.
In response to the aggressive deportation strategy, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced the Democratic Party's commitment to the rule of law, cautioning against the potential consequences of such policies. He noted that while the party supports deporting violent felons, it is crucial to avoid actions that could lead to the unlawful deportation of American citizens or lawful residents.
As part of this agreement, the deportees will be housed in CECOT, the largest prison in the Americas, known for its harsh conditions. Human rights organizations have criticized the facility for its inhumane treatment of inmates and have reported severe overcrowding. Reports indicate that inmates live in cramped quarters with inadequate facilities, raising significant concerns about their treatment and rights.
President Bukele has acknowledged that some innocent people have been mistakenly detained during the nationwide crackdown on crime, with thousands already released. He and his supporters argue that such collateral damage is an unfortunate part of the process of transforming El Salvador from being labeled the “murder capital of the world” to a safer environment for its citizens.
