Donald Trump has defied a federal judge’s order and deported over 200 Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT mega-prison, despite a court ruling temporarily halting the deportations. The inmates, alleged members of the violent Tren de Aragua cartel, were flown to El Salvador and Honduras before the judge’s directive could stop the flights.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele responded to the move with a blunt post on social media, saying, “Oopsie…Too late.” He confirmed that the prisoners had already been transferred to CECOT, where they will be held for at least a year. Bukele also stated that El Salvador received 23 additional MS-13 members wanted by local authorities, calling the deportation a win for regional security.
The deportation was carried out under a wartime legal provision from the 18th century, which Trump has controversially invoked to justify fast-tracking removals of foreign criminals. The federal judge overseeing the case, James E. Boasberg, had ruled that the administration needed to pause deportations and conduct further reviews. However, officials reportedly told the court that the flights had already taken off, and they were not turned around despite verbal instructions.
Legal experts say Trump’s defiance of the order could lead to further legal challenges, with opponents arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for presidential power. Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters have praised the move, claiming it shows his commitment to national security. The situation is expected to spark intense debate as the legal and political fallout unfolds.
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