Trump Administration Defies Court Order, Deports Alleged Gang Members to El Salvador

The Trump administration proceeded with the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, despite a U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's order to halt the action. The administration, through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, stated the order lacked a lawful basis and claimed the deportees, linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, were already in El Salvador. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deportation of over 250 individuals to El Salvador, costing the U.S. $6 million for their detention. Judge Boasberg's initial order prohibited the deportation of five individuals who filed complaints, later expanding to include all non-citizens subjected to Trump's decree. The DOJ argued that some gang members were deported between Boasberg's orders. The administration has appealed the judge's orders. Separately, the administration is under scrutiny for the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee, for his participation in protests against the Israel-Hamas war. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation.