Story perspectives

Seventeen Gang Members Deported in Historic Anti-Terrorism Sweep

3/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Seventeen notorious gang members, including murderers and child rapists, were deported to El Salvador in a bold counter-terrorism operation announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. With Tren de Aragua and MS-13 now labeled as terrorist organizations, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele praised the collaboration in the fight against organized crime, despite ongoing legal challenges to the deportations.

History

Historical Context

El Salvador has faced severe gang violence since the end of its civil war in 1992, largely fueled by deportations of gang members from the U.S. in the 1990s. The largest gangs, MS-13 and Barrio 18, have historically controlled significant territory, contributing to high homicide rates. Recent government crackdowns, including labeling these gangs as terrorist organizations, echo past policies like "La Mano Dura," which aimed to suppress gang influence but faced criticism for human rights violations.

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Story summary

Seventeen notorious gang members, including murderers and child rapists, were deported to El Salvador in a bold counter-terrorism operation announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. With Tren de Aragua and MS-13 now labeled as terrorist organizations, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele praised the collaboration in the fight against organized crime, despite ongoing legal challenges to the deportations.

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