Recently, a plane with more than 200 Venezuelans deported by the United States landed in El Salvador. The migrants were quickly transferred to the Terrorism Containment Centre (Cecot) in El Salvador. They are expected to stay there for a year, with the possibility of renewal.
These actions were carried out after Trump decided to deport them under the argument of the 1798 Act. Indeed, this act is known as the Foreign Enemies Act.
El Salvador President, Nayib Bukele, spoke on social media. He reported that 238 of the deportees were members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal gang, and another 23 were linked to the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13).
The Act of 1798
The 1798 Act, also known as the Foreign Enemies Act, allows the US government to expel people who pose a threat to national security in times of war. However, it not possible in times of peace.
Therefore, Judge James Boasberg made the decision to suspend deportations. He considered that the Foreign Enemies Act, invoked by Trump, was not applicable in this case because the United States is not at war.
However, the Trump administration proceeded to ignore the decision. They justified these actions as part of US foreign policy, an area in which, according to its spokesman, the courts have no jurisdiction.
El Salvador’s « mega prison »
President Bukele, known for his strong stance against organized crime, confirmed the arrival of the deportees in his country.
The Terrorism Containment Centre, considered a « mega prison », has been criticized for its overcrowded conditions and treatment of prisoners.
Venezuelan government‘s reaction
The Venezuelan government, in an official statement, rejected the deportations and described them as a violation of human rights.
Meanwhile, families of the deportees have protested, arguing that many of the expelled people have no connection with criminal groups and were detained because of their immigration status.
