Despite a federal judge’s order suspending deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, the Trump administration deported hundreds of migrants to El Salvador. Salvadoran officials confirmed the deportations, while the ACLU is investigating potential violations of the judge’s order. The legal basis for these deportations and the treatment of migrants raise serious human rights concerns.

The Trump administration has recently deported numerous migrants to El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s injunction against such removals. On Saturday evening, U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg temporarily barred deportations under a declaration targeting Venezuelan gang members, but officials noted that flights with migrants were already en route at the time. The judge’s verbal order to turn the planes around was apparently not recorded in writing, leading to continued deportations.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele remarked on the situation with a social media post indicating the migrants had already been sent, indicating an agreement to house approximately 300 migrants for $6 million in El Salvador’s prisons. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, asserting that over 250 members of the Tren de Aragua gang were deported and would be held in Salvadoran jails at a reasonable cost to taxpayers.

The deportations were implemented following Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law previously used during World Wars and which allows extraordinary measures against foreigners in times of declared war. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which filed the lawsuit resulting in the temporary restraining order, is currently investigating whether the government’s actions violated the judge’s order.

In a statement, Venezuela’s government condemned the Trump administration’s actions, suggesting the law invoked conjures memories of severe historical injustices. Moreover, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of evidence provided for deported individuals being actual members of the Tren de Aragua gang. While the Trump administration asserts that the gang is under scrutiny, specific allegations against the deportees remain undisclosed.

Reports indicate that the deported individuals faced harsh treatment upon arrival in El Salvador, depicted in footage showing restrained and shaven men being taken to a notorious prison facility. Their deportation occurs amid a backdrop of strict policies enacted by President Bukele to address violence in the country.

The Trump administration claims the declaration regarding Tren de Aragua was made prior to the judge’s order, inciting legal challenges from immigration lawyers. Concerns have been raised about the potential for misuse of power against any Venezuelan citizen under such regulations. Judge Boasberg had ruled that deportations should be halted following the lawsuit, reinforcing the need for legal recourse to ensure migrants’ rights are protected. A hearing has been scheduled to further discuss the legal implications of the case.

The recent deportations carried out by the Trump administration, which occurred despite a federal judge’s order, have sparked significant legal and ethical concerns. Notably, the actions were executed under an old law that has historically been associated with extreme measures during wartime, prompting the ACLU to investigate potential violations of rights. As the situation unfolds, the treatment of the deported individuals and the implications of the legal frameworks in use will be pivotal in determining the outcome of ongoing legal challenges.

Original Source: apnews.com

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