The resilient spirit of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele shines bright as he takes a stand against crime, demonstrating remarkable leadership in the fight against gang violence. Recently, Bukele mocked U.S. District Judge James Boasberg after two flights landed in El Salvador carrying between 250 and 300 Venezuelan gang members, despite an emergency order from Boasberg, issued following a case brought by the ACLU.
With a bold move invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, President Trump deported these criminals, including members of the infamous MS-13 gang and several fugitives. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the deportation of over 250 Tren de Aragua members, underscoring the commitment to protect American and Salvadoran communities.
Bukele cheekily posted, “Oopsie…Too late,” over a New York Post headline about the judge’s order, adding a touch of humor to the serious matter.
Oopsie…
Too late
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele)
March 16, 2025
Bukele shared a video showing the arrival of these deportees in El Salvador. The footage captured a large-scale operation as the gang members, shackled and subdued, were transported to the CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, marking a significant victory in the battle against organized crime.
In a statement, Bukele emphasized the import of these actions, not just for El Salvador, but for the world. He noted the low cost to the United States juxtaposed with the substantial benefits for El Salvador’s prison system, which is becoming self-sustainable thanks to initiatives like the Zero Idleness program.
Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country. They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable).
The United States will pay a very low fee for them,…
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele)
March 16, 2025
The deportation also included 23 MS-13 members, some of whom were top leaders of the gang, fulfilling a promise to aid Salvadoran justice. This decisive action will support intelligence operations to dismantle MS-13 networks entirely.
Secretary Rubio expressed gratitude towards President Bukele, acknowledging his formidable leadership and friendship, which exemplifies the strong alliance between the two nations. Rubio’s visit to El Salvador last month laid the groundwork for this monumental deportation operation.
We have sent 2 dangerous top MS-13 leaders plus 21 of its most wanted back to face justice in El Salvador. Also, as promised by @POTUS, we sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio)
March 16, 2025
The strategic agreements reached between the two nations are a testament to their shared commitment to security and prosperity. These efforts not only enhance the safety of both countries but also bolster the fight against illegal migration and the influence of hostile foreign entities.
As President Bukele’s statement concluded, “May God bless El Salvador, and may God bless the United States.” This sentiment captures the mutual respect and determination to protect the values and lives of their citizens.
