Trump Administration Sends Hundreds of Alleged Gang Members to El Salvador’s Mega-Prison

The deportations, carried out under an 18th-century wartime law, are part of a $6 million deal with President Nayib Bukele's government.

Over 250 alleged members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang were deported from the U.S. to El Salvador's CECOT prison on Sunday.
The transfers were conducted under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, invoked by President Trump to justify deportations despite a federal judge's temporary block order.
El Salvador’s CECOT prison, opened in 2023, is known for harsh conditions, including no visitation, outdoor access, or rehabilitation programs for inmates.
The U.S. agreed to pay $6 million for a year of detention services as part of a deal with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who has led a controversial anti-gang crackdown.
Human rights groups have criticized El Salvador's prison system, citing overcrowding, abuse, and over 260 deaths in custody during Bukele's anti-crime campaign.