Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
US Deports Alleged Gang Members from Guantánamo Bay to El Salvador
Seventeen individuals, accused of connections to transnational gangs, were deported by the United States to a prison in El Salvador on Sunday. A White House official confirmed on Monday that these individuals were transferred from immigration detention at Guantánamo Bay. The move raises concerns about immigration and human rights, particularly regarding the treatment of migrants and the controversial use of Guantánamo Bay for detention.
Secretary of State Announces Transfer, Cites Gang Affiliations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicized the overnight military transfer, asserting the group included alleged “murderers and rapists” linked to the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs. The Trump administration recently designated these groups as foreign terrorist entities.
Nationalities of Deportees and Initial Reports
The individuals deported are reportedly nationals of El Salvador and Venezuela. Fox News initially reported the identities and alleged offenses, which the White House has since corroborated.
El Salvador’s President Comments on Deportations
Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, stated on social media that the deportees were “confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists.”
Guantánamo Bay as a Staging Ground for Deportations
Immigration authorities announced in March the removal of all migrants from Guantánamo Bay, returning them to the US. This occurred shortly after the initial transfer of migrants to the US military base in Cuba. Guantánamo was considered a potential site for expanding immigration detention facilities under the Trump administration’s pledge for heightened deportation efforts.
Concerns Over Deportations to Notorious Mega-Prison
Approximately 300 migrants, mainly Venezuelans, were recently deported to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), a large-scale prison known for its harsh conditions.
Family Denials and Lack of Evidence
Families of the deported individuals have consistently denied allegations of gang involvement. The US administration has declined to present evidence, citing “state secrets” privilege.
Doubts Raised About Gang Allegations
Skepticism regarding the gang allegations has intensified, particularly with emerging details about some deportees. One case involves a 23-year-old gay makeup artist, deported to Cecot without a hearing, who apparently has no gang affiliations. His attorney stated that officials had previously misinterpreted his tattoos as gang symbols and that his client was scheduled for an immigration court appearance in the US prior to being abruptly sent to El Salvador.
Legal Challenges to Deportation Tactics
These deportations are occurring amidst legal challenges to the Trump administration’s utilization of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act, which a federal appeals court has blocked. A federal judge has mandated “individualized hearings” for those targeted for removal.
Intelligence Reports Contradict Administration Claims
Intelligence agencies have reportedly contradicted the Trump administration’s assertions linking the Tren de Aragua gang to the Venezuelan government. This undermines a primary justification for these deportations, according to reports in the New York Times.
Administration Vows to Continue Deportation Strategy
Despite these challenges, the Trump administration has affirmed its commitment to continue its deportation strategy through alternative methods and is currently appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn the block on its use of wartime deportation powers.