President Donald Trump recently publicly thanked El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele following the deportation of hundreds of suspected criminal migrants to El Salvador. A widely circulated video showed the arrival of the deportees, prompting Trump to praise Bukele’s cooperation. He also criticized U.S. Democratic leadership, blaming them for creating what he described as a dangerous situation requiring decisive action.

The deportations were carried out under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law that allows the U.S. government to detain or remove nationals from enemy countries during wartime or national emergencies. Trump defended the legality of using this old law, emphasizing that it provided a legitimate basis for the removals and underscored his administration’s commitment to national security.

In total, 261 individuals were deported, with 137 removed under the Alien Enemies Act. This group included 101 Venezuelan nationals and 21 members of the violent MS-13 gang, a notorious criminal organization. The deportations sparked mixed reactions; some praised the strong enforcement as necessary for public safety, while others questioned the law’s applicability and raised concerns about human rights and due process.

The Biden administration has so far declined to comment publicly on the use of the 1798 law for immigration enforcement. Legal experts note that invoking this statute marks a significant departure from typical immigration policies, signaling a shift toward more aggressive measures in addressing criminal elements within migrant populations.

President Bukele, who has maintained a close relationship with U.S. leadership, especially on combating gang violence, welcomed the deportees. His cooperation highlights ongoing collaboration between the two nations on migration control and crime reduction. This high-profile deportation also reflects broader political debates in the U.S. surrounding border security, immigration policy, and efforts to curb criminal infiltration across the southern border.