The United States deported 10 more people to El Salvador on Saturday. It claimed they were part of violent gangs MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. This action came just one day before El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Rubio Confirms Deportations Publicly
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared the news on social media. He wrote, “Last night, another 10 criminals from the MS-13 and Tren de Aragua Foreign Terrorist Organizations arrived in El Salvador.”
He also praised the growing partnership between Trump and Bukele. “The cooperation between President Donald Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has become an example for security and prosperity in our hemisphere,” Rubio added.
Trump Praises Bukele Before the Meeting
Meanwhile, Trump expressed his approval of Bukele’s actions. On Saturday, he said he looked forward to meeting the Salvadoran leader. Trump thanked him for accepting “enemy aliens” and said the two nations are working closely to “eradicate terrorist organizations.”
U.S. Labels Many Migrants as Gang Members
So far, the Trump administration has often labeled deported migrants as gang members. However, it has rarely presented solid proof in court.
Using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, officials deported hundreds of Venezuelans. They were sent to a prison in El Salvador. U.S. authorities claimed they were part of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the government lists as a terrorist group.
Critics Say Deportees Had No Legal Chance
However, lawyers and family members of the deportees strongly disagree. They said the migrants were not gang members and were never given a chance to fight the U.S. claims.
As a result, the deportations now face legal challenges in U.S. federal courts.
Supreme Court Steps In
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government must give detained immigrants enough notice before deporting them. This allows them time to contest the deportation. However, the court did not explain how those already deported to El Salvador can seek a legal review of their cases.