Trump Admin Deports Immigrants Amid Court Order; Sends MS-13 Leaders to El Salvador

The Trump administration deported hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador, invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. A federal judge issued a temporary order halting the deportations, particularly targeting Venezuelan gang members, but flights were already en route. The Department of Justice stated it would cease using the blocked proclamation for deportations if the decision stands. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele agreed to house approximately 300 immigrants for $6 million annually. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated over 250 members of Tren de Aragua were sent to El Salvador. The administration also transferred two MS-13 leaders arrested in the U.S. to El Salvador. El Salvador released video footage showing shackled men arriving at the CECOT prison, where they were processed. Venezuela's government condemned the use of the Alien Enemies Act. A Lebanese doctor with a valid U.S. visa was also deported from Boston, despite a judge's order to halt her removal pending a hearing.