In a controversial move, the Trump administration has deported another 17 alleged gang members to El Salvador, emphasizing national security concerns despite ongoing legal battles.

The deportations, which occurred over the weekend, include individuals allegedly connected to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, as reported by the Reuters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these individuals are "murderers and rapists," asserting they will no longer pose a threat to American communities. The deportees were transported aboard a U.S. military plane to a high-security facility known as the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador.

Despite a federal court order temporarily halting the deportation of individuals without due process, the Trump administration justified this latest action under standard U.S. immigration law. Rubio mentioned that this involved a "counterterrorism operation," although it drew backlash due to the lack of transparency and the due process rights of those deported. Family members of the individuals have contested these allegations, claiming many deportees are not involved with gangs but identified as such based on their tattoos, as discussed by the Salon.

The deportation effort has revived criticisms of the administration's immigration policy, especially in light of the legal challenges and claims from the American Civil Liberties Union, which argue that these actions violate constitutional rights. They contend that many deported had minimal or no legal representation to contest the basis for their removal.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador praised the deportation as a successful collaboration between the two nations to combat transnational crime, further complicating relations with human rights advocates who denounce the conditions within Salvadoran prisons, known for their overcrowding and reported abuses.

The ongoing legal disputes surrounding these deportations have led to uncertainty about future actions, especially as the Trump administration continues to seek avenues for expediting such removal processes. While officials describe the operations as counterterrorism missions, activists assert they are a violation of international human rights standards.

Amid these developments, the situation is evolving, with further hearings expected in federal court regarding the legality of these deportations, as noted by The New York Times.