Trump Administration Transfers 17 Alleged Gang Members to El Salvador
The Trump administration has transferred 17 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang from Guantanamo Bay to El Salvador, marking a significant move in its crackdown on illegal alien gang activities.
On Sunday night, the U.S. military facilitated the transfer of 17 individuals believed to be part of the Tren de Aragua gang to El Salvador, as announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The group, which includes alleged murderers and rapists, was moved under the authority of Title 8, ensuring compliance with existing deportation orders and avoiding conflict with a recent federal judge’s restraining order on the use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations.
Among those transferred was Keivis Jesus Arrechedera Vasquez, a Venezuelan national accused of leading the Tren de Aragua gang. Vasquez faces two pending criminal charges related to drug sales. The transfer also included six other alleged members of the same gang, all of whom are either Venezuelan or Salvadoran citizens, with varying statuses of criminal charges and convictions.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed the arrival of these individuals, describing them as “confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists.” The deportees are now being held in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a facility opened in 2023 as part of the country’s efforts to combat street gangs.
This move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to deport hundreds of alleged criminal illegal aliens to El Salvador. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently visited the prison and met with President Bukele to discuss ongoing efforts to manage gang-related threats.
The Trump administration’s actions have been met with resistance from some quarters, including a federal judge’s order that temporarily halted deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. President Trump has criticized these judicial interventions, labeling them as obstructions by “radical left judges.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to continuing these efforts, stating, “Every day, America becomes safer, thanks to the leadership of President Trump. If you’re an illegal terrorist or criminal – the Trump administration is coming for you.”