The U.S. has deported 10 individuals accused of gang affiliations to El Salvador, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move comes just one day before El Salvador President Nayib Bukele is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.
“Last night, another 10 criminals from the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua Foreign Terrorist Organizations arrived in El Salvador,” Rubio stated on X, emphasizing the growing partnership between Trump and Bukele as a model for security in the region.
President Trump echoed the sentiment, praising Bukele for accepting the deportees and affirming the two nations' joint efforts to “eradicate terrorist organizations.” He referred to the deported individuals as "enemy aliens," and highlighted ongoing cooperation to improve hemispheric security.
Critics, however, have raised concerns over the legality and fairness of these deportations. The U.S. government has yet to present evidence in court confirming that those removed are active gang members. Lawyers and family members argue that the detainees were denied the opportunity to challenge the accusations before being expelled.
Many of the Venezuelans deported under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act are now held in prisons in El Salvador. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that immigrant detainees must be given adequate notice to contest deportations. However, it remains unclear how those already removed from the U.S. can access judicial review.
These deportations come amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies and international cooperation on counterterrorism. The meeting between Trump and Bukele is expected to reinforce their alliance on immigration enforcement and regional security.
The controversy continues to spark legal and humanitarian debates as the U.S. expands its deportation efforts targeting alleged gang affiliates.