U.S. Deports Alleged Gang Members to El Salvador Despite Legal Challenges

The U.S. government has deported over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, invoking wartime authorities under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The move has sparked controversy, with civil rights groups challenging the legality of the deportations.  

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of the deportees, who were transferred to a maximum-security facility. The U.S. also deported several high-ranking members of the MS-13 gang as part of the operation.  

Critics argue that the Alien Enemies Act was not intended for use in peacetime and that the deportations violate due process rights. A federal judge has issued a temporary suspension of the order, but the Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling.