El Salvador Accepts Alleged Tren de Aragua and MS-13 Gang Members from Trump Administration
Sarah Johnson
March 31, 2025
Brief
El Salvador receives 17 alleged gang members, including leaders from Tren de Aragua and MS-13, deported by the U.S. under Title 8, strengthening cross-border crime efforts.
El Salvador has officially taken custody of 17 alleged gang members connected to Tren de Aragua and MS-13, as part of a transfer orchestrated by the U.S. military on Sunday night. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the deported individuals include convicted murderers and rapists.
Rubio announced the move via a statement on X, emphasizing the significance of the designation of Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. "These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens," he stated. Well, that's one way to clear house—send them packing!
Among those deported is Keivis Jesus Arrecheder Vasquez, allegedly a key figure in Tren de Aragua. Vasquez, a Venezuelan national, faces pending criminal charges, including intent to sell drugs. It's clear the Trump administration isn’t pulling punches here.
Six other alleged members of Tren de Aragua were also part of the transfer. These individuals hail from Venezuela and El Salvador, with charges ranging from pending to convictions. It’s safe to say El Salvador now has its hands full with this crowd.
Senior White House officials clarified that the deportations were executed under Title 8 immigration rules, not the Alien Enemies Act. This distinction is vital, as a federal judge had previously issued a restraining order against the Trump administration using the 1798 wartime law for deportations.
U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg’s restraining order remains in effect, but the Trump administration appears determined to push forward. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, issued a statement underscoring their commitment to targeting illegal alien criminals. "Every day, America becomes safer, thanks to the leadership of President Trump," she said. Whether you agree or not, the administration is clearly doubling down on its tough-on-crime stance.
For El Salvador, this marks yet another chapter in its growing role as a destination for international criminal deportations. With hundreds of gang members already transferred, the country is becoming an unlikely staging ground for tackling cross-border crime.
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Editor's Comments
Sending 17 alleged gang members to El Salvador is a bold move, but it feels like outsourcing a problem rather than solving it. El Salvador's justice system now faces the monumental task of handling this influx of convicted criminals. Also, can we talk about how the Alien Enemies Act from 1798 is still relevant in 2023? History nerds, rejoice!
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