Hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members were deported from the U.S. to El Salvador, despite a federal court’s temporary injunction. The deportations were part of the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, which allows for the expedited removal of noncitizens considered threats. A federal judge had blocked the deportations just hours before they were carried out, ordering that planes with the deportees onboard return to the U.S. However, the administration proceeded, arguing that the flights had already left U.S. airspace before the order was given.

The deportees, primarily members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, were sent to El Salvador’s notorious prison, CECOT, for confinement. The U.S. has paid $6 million to El Salvador to cover the cost of housing the deportees. President Bukele of El Salvador has been cooperating with the Trump administration on immigration issues, even offering to house other deported gang members. This action is part of a broader crackdown on gang violence, though critics have raised concerns about human rights violations in El Salvador’s prison system.

The situation has sparked political tension, with some supporting the aggressive deportation strategy while others defend the rule of law.