The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of gang ties, marking a controversial revival of a centuries-old wartime law. Over 130 men allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang were recently flown to El Salvador, which has agreed to detain them in a high-security prison with U.S. support.
The move positions El Salvador as a key ally in what the Trump administration calls a fight to “clean the United States of foreign gang threats.” Officials argue that criminal groups like Tren de Aragua represent an “invasion force” threatening national security. El Salvador’s cooperation is seen as crucial to detaining suspects outside U.S. territory.
“This is a time of war,” Trump told reporters, defending his administration’s aggressive immigration strategy. Authorities now plan to use the same law to deport alleged MS-13 members, with El Salvador once again expected to serve as a regional partner in their containment.
Civil rights advocates have criticized the move. “Trump’s attempt to twist a centuries-old wartime law to sidestep immigration protections is an outrageous and unlawful power grab,” said ACLU legal director Scott Michelman. Still, the administration maintains that alliances like the one with El Salvador are essential in restoring domestic safety.