Seventeen alleged gang members, including Venezuelans and Salvadorans, were deported to El Salvador, despite ongoing legal challenges surrounding the procedures.
US Continues Deportation of Alleged Gang Members Amid Legal Controversy
US Continues Deportation of Alleged Gang Members Amid Legal Controversy
Recent deportations to El Salvador raise questions about due process and immigration laws.
The Biden administration has faced backlash as the U.S. State Department confirmed the deportation of 17 alleged gang members to El Salvador. This action comes against a backdrop of legal disputes concerning deportation processes, particularly regarding the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law historically employed during wartime.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that those deported included individuals connected to notorious gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13. Salvadoran officials noted that the deportees comprised both Venezuelans and Salvadorans.
A court recently imposed a temporary halt on deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, citing concerns over due process. Nevertheless, sources indicate that the latest deportations were carried out under standard immigration laws rather than the controversial act.
Rubio described the individuals as "murderers and rapists," but specifics related to their identities or convictions have not been publicly disclosed. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele shared a video on social media depicting shackled deportees being escorted off a plane, asserting that all individuals were confirmed murderers and child rapists. He framed the deportation as a victory in combating organized crime and terrorism.
The financial dynamic of these deportations includes El Salvador's agreement to take back incarcerated individuals in exchange for $6 million (£4.6 million). However, the relatives of some deportees have fought back against the gang association claims.
Legal battles persist as organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union challenge the deportations, citing that individuals had been denied due process. Following a recent federal court ruling, deportation flights were ordered to turn around mid-air, though the deportations continued, raising questions about the administration's compliance with judicial proceedings. The upcoming hearing is scheduled for Thursday, potentially impacting future immigration actions.
