Arrival of Tren de Aragua Gang Members in El Salvador: A Notable Deportation
The first group of 238 members of the Tren de Aragua gang, recently deported to El Salvador, were welcomed by law enforcement and taken to a maximum-security prison. Former President Trump praised this action while criticizing President Biden’s immigration policies. The agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador allows for the transfer of dangerous criminals to Salvadoran facilities. The Tren de Aragua, a major criminal organization from Venezuela, has expanded its illegal activities significantly.
The Tren de Aragua gang members recently deported to El Salvador represent a significant development in the region’s security situation. On a recent Sunday, President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of 238 alleged members of this notorious Venezuelan criminal organization, which had been designated as a terrorist group by the United States. Dramatic footage shared by Bukele depicted the accused individuals being escorted to the maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center, a facility with a capacity of 40,000 inmates.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his approval of the deportation via social media, criticizing current President Joe Biden for permitting alleged gang members’ entry into the United States. In a post on Truth Social, Trump proclaimed, “These are the monsters sent into our Country by Crooked Joe Biden and the Radical Left Democrats. How dare they!” He acknowledged Bukele’s understanding of the situation and reaffirmed the importance of addressing the failure of previous administrations in handling border security.
This significant deportation occurred following a temporary judicial ruling that impeded the administration from enforcing the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which would expedite deportations without judicial reviews. The White House determined that the flights carrying the individuals to El Salvador were permitted to proceed because they were already en route when the ruling took effect. According to reports, the planes were classified as being “outside of US airspace.”
The agreement between the United States and El Salvador allows for the transfer of dangerous criminals to Salvadoran prisons, an arrangement endorsed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who deemed it a remarkable migratory agreement. This allows deportees of any nationality to serve their sentences in El Salvador, and Bukele has further suggested that his country would accept additional criminals from the U.S. for a nominal fee.
The Tren de Aragua gang, once a prison gang, has transformed into a transnational criminal organization with over 5,000 members and is involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion. Its expansion beyond prison walls has generated substantial profits annually. The gang’s founder, Hector Guerrero Flores, has remained elusive since his escape during a government raid on Tocorón Prison, which had been notorious for its activities.
The arrival of Tren de Aragua gang members in El Salvador marks a pivotal moment in both U.S. and Salvadoran efforts to combat transnational crime. This development underscores the contentious immigration policies and ongoing issues relating to border security. As both nations navigate this complex relationship, the implications for regional stability and crime prevention remain critical considerations. Enhanced cooperation, such as the recent agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador, could prove essential in addressing these challenges effectively.
Original Source: www.thesun.co.uk
