U.S. Deports More Criminal Illegals—17 Gang Members Sent Packing to El Salvador Prison [WATCH]

On Sunday night, the U.S. military transferred a group of 17 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization to El Salvador, according to a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The transfer, which was confirmed by senior White House officials, follows the designation of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by President Donald Trump.

The individuals, who were transported from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, include suspected murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals.

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Rubio made the announcement on X, emphasizing the Trump administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of American citizens.

“In order to keep the American people safe, @POTUS designated the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” Rubio said in his statement.

“These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens.”

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.

In order to keep the American people…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) March 31, 2025

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Among the individuals transferred was Keivis Jesus Arrecheder Vasquez, a Venezuelan national, who is believed to be a leader within the Tren de Aragua.

Vasquez faces two pending criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

The senior White House officials who briefed Fox News also revealed that six other alleged members of the Tren de Aragua were included in the transfer.

All of the transferred individuals are either citizens of Venezuela or El Salvador, with some facing pending charges and others already convicted.

The transfer was executed under Title 8 of the U.S. Code, not the Alien Enemies Act, and each of the individuals had deportation orders or final removal orders in place.

This method of deportation ensured that the Trump administration complied with a recent ruling from U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg, who extended a restraining order against the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport violent gang members with alleged links to criminal organizations.

The Trump administration has continued to criticize Judge Boasberg for his decision, accusing him and other “radical left judges” of obstructing the president’s ability to govern effectively.

.@StephenM: The entire administration backs Trump’s call for the impeachment of U.S. District Judge James Boasberg after his injunction against deportations. pic.twitter.com/e8w4fJLSdk

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) March 22, 2025

The Trump administration has been actively working to deport violent gang members, with hundreds of alleged criminals being sent to El Salvador.

Many of these individuals have been taken to the country’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a high-security facility designed to house individuals connected to organized crime and terrorism.

In a statement on X, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele addressed the transfer, identifying the 17 individuals as “confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists.”

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.

All individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists.

This operation… pic.twitter.com/Tk1Xq7vnuB

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 31, 2025

Bukele has taken a tough stance against criminal organizations, and his government has been a key partner in the effort to combat gang violence in Central America.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador last week, touring the Terrorism Confinement Center ahead of a meeting with President Bukele.

I toured the CECOT, El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center.

President Trump and I have a clear message to criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW.

If you do not leave, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you could end up in this El Salvadorian prison. pic.twitter.com/OItDqNsFxM

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 26, 2025

The center, which opened in 2023, is part of Bukele’s broader strategy to crack down on gangs that have terrorized the country for years.

In response to the recent transfer, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the Trump administration’s stance on illegal immigration and criminal activity.

“Every day, America becomes safer, thanks to the leadership of President Trump,” Leavitt said in a statement to Fox News.

“If you’re an illegal terrorist or criminal – the Trump administration is coming for you.”

Under President Trump’s leadership, dangerous MS-13 gang leaders are being taken off the streets and foreign terrorists are being deported.

President Trump is keeping America SAFE! pic.twitter.com/FT7tiYevGx

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 27, 2025

The recent transfer of alleged Tren de Aragua members highlights the continued efforts by the Trump administration to confront transnational criminal organizations and ensure that dangerous individuals are removed from U.S. soil.

This move is part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration and gang violence, which has been a priority for the president throughout his time in office.

As the Trump administration’s crackdown on criminal organizations continues, officials have made clear their commitment to removing dangerous individuals from American communities and ensuring that the safety of American citizens remains a top priority.

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