The Trump administration faced backlash after proceeding with the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans claimed to be gang members, seemingly violating a court order issued just hours prior. The situation has drawn ire from the Venezuelan government and raised concerns about human rights implications.
U.S. Defies Judge's Order, Continues Deportation of Venezuelans
U.S. Defies Judge's Order, Continues Deportation of Venezuelans
In a controversial move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that hundreds of Venezuelans were deported from the U.S. to El Salvador, despite a federal judge's ruling against such actions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced yesterday that the administration had deported hundreds of Venezuelan nationals accused of gang affiliations back to El Salvador, only a day after a federal judge ruled against such deportations. This action raises questions about whether the Trump administration ignored the explicit court order issued shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday in Washington, D.C. Video evidence shows the deportees arriving in El Salvador at night, which is significant considering that El Salvador is two time zones behind the U.S. East Coast.
In a post on social media, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele shared a screenshot of the judge's order alongside the message "Oopsie... Too late." This deportation initiative stems from an agreement in which the U.S. seeks to send suspected gang members to El Salvador, in hopes of curbing gang-related issues domestically. However, critics label the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—historically notorious for facilitating grave injustices like the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII—as a dangerous precedent.
The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the deportations, declaring the actions a “crime against humanity.” The situation underscores ongoing tensions at the U.S.-Mexico border and highlights the dramatic policy shifts under the Trump administration that threaten established immigrant protections. Legal actions have also emerged from individuals concerned about their safety under the administration's policies; among those affected are international students and academics, facing potential deportation despite valid documentation.
As the implications of these recent actions unfold, the international community and legal experts continue to monitor developments closely.
