Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that 17 more “foreign gang terrorists” identified as members of Tren de Aragua or MS-13 by the State Department had been deported to El Salvador.
Rubio’s announcement comes as the administration has been locked in a battle with a federal judge over President Donald Trump’s ability to deport suspected members of gangs designated as terrorist networks. Rubio did not disclose who specifically had been sent to El Salvador but said some were guilty of murder and rape.
“Last night, in a successful counter-terrorism operation with our allies in El Salvador, the United States military transferred a group of 17 violent criminals from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 organizations, including murderers and rapists,” Rubio announced. “In order to keep the American people safe, President Trump designated the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens.”
Rubio thanked El Salvador President Nayib Bukele for his “unparalleled partnership” with the United States to crack down on gang crime.
Bukele confirmed the operation and posted of the alleged gang members being escorted off a U.S. Air Force plane and brought into El Salvadoran custody. The video shows the men having their heads shaved and being thrown behind bars.
“Last night, in a joint military operation with our allies from the United States, we transferred 17 extremely dangerous criminals linked to Tren de Aragua and MS-13,” Bukele said. “All individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists. This operation is another step in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.”
Earlier this month, the Trump administration deported 250 suspected gang members to El Salvador. That action has been at the center of a subsequent legal battle as Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary order blocking the administration from deporting illegal migrants under the Alien Enemies Act.
The Justice Department has invoked state secrets privilege in response to requests from Boasberg for more specifics on the flights. The DOJ told the judge that national security concerns prevent the administration from divulging more information on the deportations.
On Friday, the DOJ asked the Supreme Court to intervene, saying that Boasberg threatened the “government’s sensitive negotiations with foreign powers” with his orders.
