El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele weighed in on the intensifying political battle in the United States after President Trump called for the impeachment of a federal judge who halted deportation flights targeting members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Bukele, known for his tough stance on crime, expressed concern that the U.S. is facing what he described as a “judicial coup.”
Bukele, whose administration recently accepted the first wave of deported gang members from the United States, emphasized that judicial interference in law enforcement operations threatens national security. He pointed out that elected leaders must be allowed to implement policies aimed at protecting citizens from violent transnational organizations.
The comments follow Trump’s strong rebuke of the judge’s decision to block deportations, accusing the judiciary of overstepping its authority and undermining the executive branch. The case involves the controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act, which the administration invoked to justify mass removals of suspected gang affiliates.
As tensions rise, Trump allies in Congress have introduced articles of impeachment against the judge, arguing that the ruling placed American communities at greater risk. Meanwhile, Bukele’s remarks added international weight to the growing debate, with the Salvadoran leader warning that unchecked judicial power can destabilize democratic governance.
The controversy comes amid a broader crackdown on the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang blamed for a surge in violent crimes across the United States. The Trump administration has vowed to continue deportation flights despite legal challenges, framing the operation as essential to restoring border security and public safety.