By Sarah Baafi
The Trump administration has deported 17 more individuals alleged to be gang members to El Salvador, despite ongoing legal disputes surrounding the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the deportees include members of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs. Salvadoran officials noted that the group consisted of both Venezuelans and Salvadorans.
This latest deportation comes after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, which has historically been used only during wartime. However, the administration proceeded with the deportations, sparking further controversy.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele shared a dramatic video of the deportees being transferred to prison cells, describing them as “confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders,” including child rapists. However, specific details of the alleged crimes or convictions were not disclosed.
El Salvador has agreed to accept deportees in exchange for $6 million in U.S. funding. The move has been criticized by family members of previous deportees, who claim that some individuals were wrongly accused of gang ties.
The legal battle over these deportations continues, with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union arguing that the use of the Alien Enemies Act denies immigrants due process. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday.
The situation in El Salvador’s prisons remains a significant concern, as they are known for harsh conditions and overcrowding. Critics argue that sending deportees to these facilities could exacerbate human rights issues, particularly given the lack of transparency about the deportees’ alleged crimes. This has led to calls for greater oversight and accountability in deportation processes.
As the legal challenges continue, there is growing international attention on the implications of these deportations. The use of the Alien Enemies Act has raised questions about the limits of executive power and the balance between national security and individual rights. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for future deportation policies and the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. and abroad.
Source: BBC
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