The Salvadoran government has confirmed the arrival of 17 individuals deported from the United States, all of whom are believed to have ties to violent transnational gangs, including MS-13 and the Venezuela-based Tren de Aragua.
This latest transfer is part of an ongoing enforcement initiative under the Trump administration aimed at removing high-risk foreign nationals with suspected links to organized crime. U.S. immigration authorities coordinated with El Salvador’s security agencies to ensure secure handover of the deportees upon landing at San Salvador International Airport.
According to officials familiar with the operation, the individuals deported have been under investigation for involvement in various criminal activities, ranging from extortion and drug trafficking to arms smuggling and human trafficking. Several were previously arrested in U.S. cities during targeted operations by federal and local law enforcement.
The Salvadoran Ministry of Justice stated that the arrivals will be placed under immediate surveillance and may face additional legal action based on evidence shared by U.S. agencies. Authorities have also confirmed that biometric data and criminal records are being reviewed to determine the scope of each individual’s activities before deportation.
This transfer marks one of several recent coordinated removals of suspected gang affiliates from U.S. custody. The Trump administration has emphasized swift and firm immigration enforcement, particularly in cases involving individuals identified as threats to public safety or national security.
The Salvadoran government has welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a necessary step to address the regional threat posed by organized crime networks. President Nayib Bukele’s administration continues to implement aggressive anti-gang strategies, including military-backed security operations and large-scale detentions.
Officials from both nations have reiterated their commitment to bilateral cooperation in the fight against transnational crime. U.S. authorities have indicated more deportation flights involving similar high-profile cases are expected in the coming weeks.