President Donald Trump recently thanked El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele following the deportation of hundreds of suspected criminal migrants to El Salvador. A video showing the deportees’ arrival gained widespread attention, prompting Trump to praise Bukele’s cooperation and criticize U.S. Democratic leadership for enabling what he called a dangerous situation.

Citing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, Trump defended the legality of these deportations. This rarely used law permits the U.S. government to detain or remove nationals from enemy countries during wartime or national emergencies.

A total of 261 individuals were deported. Among them, 137 were removed under the Alien Enemies Act, including 101 Venezuelan nationals and 21 members of the violent MS-13 gang.

The deportation has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the strong enforcement action while others question the legality and human rights implications. Trump maintained that the move prioritized national security and public safety.

The Biden administration has not commented publicly on the use of the 1798 law. However, legal experts note that invoking it marks a significant shift in immigration enforcement.

President Bukele has maintained a close relationship with U.S. leadership in recent years and has worked to crack down on gang violence in El Salvador. His cooperation in accepting deportees signals ongoing coordination on migration and crime.

This high-profile deportation reflects broader concerns about border security and criminal infiltration, especially amid ongoing political debate over immigration policy in the United States.