Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that 17 violent criminals linked to the notorious Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs were deported from the United States and transferred to El Salvador in a coordinated military operation.
The operation, conducted late Sunday night, involved close collaboration between U.S. military forces and the government of El Salvador. The individuals removed were described as “extremely dangerous criminals,” including convicted murderers and six child rapists.
“In order to keep the American people safe, President Trump designated the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” said Rubio. “These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens.”
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President Donald Trump recently designated both Tren de Aragua—a rapidly growing Venezuelan gang—and the long-notorious MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), giving the federal government expanded authority to combat their influence and remove members from U.S. soil.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador confirmed the operation, praising the joint efforts between the two countries and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to dismantling transnational criminal networks.
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“Last night, in a joint military operation with our allies from the United States, we transferred 17 extremely dangerous criminals linked to Tren de Aragua and MS-13,” Bukele said. “All individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists. This operation is another step in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.”
The collaboration between the U.S. and El Salvador is the latest example of growing security ties under President Trump and President Bukele, both of whom have prioritized aggressive crackdowns on organized crime and illegal immigration.
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The deportation effort is part of a broader Trump administration policy shift that treats certain international gang activity as terrorism rather than traditional criminal behavior. By classifying MS-13 and Tren de Aragua as FTOs, the administration can apply more severe immigration penalties, financial sanctions, and law enforcement tools.
Secretary Rubio highlighted the move as an example of America’s renewed strength in securing its borders and communities.
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