El Salvador takes in hundreds of Venezuelan gang members from US, even as judge moves to block deportations
FOX NewsMAR 17
Trump Defies Court Order in Mass Deportation to El Salvador
Above: On March 16, 2025, the US deported 238 alleged Tren de Aragua gang members and 23 MS-13 gang members to El Salvador via aircraft. Image copyright: El Salvador Presidency/Handout/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
The deportations were a necessary and legal measure to protect American communities from dangerous gang members who were endangering US security. The court order arrived too late, as the planes had already left US territory. Federal judges cannot interfere with the president's constitutional authority over national security and foreign policy matters.
Democratic narrative
The Trump administration intentionally disregarded a federal court order and violated due process by deporting hundreds of individuals without providing evidence of gang affiliation or allowing them the chance to challenge the accusations. This use of wartime powers during peacetime sets a dangerous precedent that could enable mass deportations without legal protections.