U.S. Deports Over 200 Venezuelan Migrants, Defying International Court Order

U.S. Deports Over 200 Venezuelan Migrants, Defying International Court Order

U.S. Administration Deports Over 200 Venezuelan Migrants to El Salvador, Labeling Them as Members of the ‘Tren de Aragua’ Gang

Defying an international court order, the U.S. administration on Sunday deported more than 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. These individuals have been accused of being members of Venezuela’s criminal gang group ‘Tren de Aragua.’ El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced that the deported individuals have been detained at the country’s highest-security prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).

Use of Wartime Law and Violation of Court Order

The U.S. administration used the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 for the deportation, a law typically applied during wartime to detain or expel nationals of enemy countries. This law has only been used three times in history, primarily during World Wars. However, last Saturday, Washington’s federal judge James Boasberg issued a 14-day suspension on Trump’s order. But before the ruling could be enforced, flights carrying the deported individuals had already departed for El Salvador. Bukele mockingly responded on Twitter, saying, "Oops… time’s up!" along with a crying emoji.

Horrific Prison Conditions and Human Rights Concerns

At CECOT, prisoners are confined in windowless cells, provided only iron beds to sleep on, and are prohibited from meeting their families. While Bukele’s gang crackdown has boosted his popularity in El Salvador, human rights organizations have condemned such severe punishments as institutionalized torture. Some locals fear that accepting foreign criminals could lead to a resurgence of crime in the country.

Political Reactions and Venezuela’s Strong Condemnation

The Venezuelan government has strongly condemned Trump’s decision, calling it "illegal and inhumane," stating, "Venezuelan migrants are not terrorists; they are workers and professionals." On the other hand, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt defended the move, arguing, "President Trump is fulfilling his constitutional duty to protect American citizens."

Agreement with El Salvador and Financial Compensation

Bukele stated that the U.S. will pay a 'small fee' to El Salvador for hosting these detainees, though the exact amount was not disclosed. Last month, during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Bukele had proposed accepting foreign criminals, including members of MS-13 and other gangs.

Legal Battle and Future Implications

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has challenged the use of the Alien Enemies Act in peacetime, calling it unconstitutional. The Trump administration has vowed to appeal the court’s ruling. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, "This decision puts public safety at risk."