White House Defends Deportations of Criminal Foreign Nationals to El Salvador

The White House, defending its deportation of 261 gang members to El Salvador, insists it acted legally despite a judge’s order. Press Secretary Leavitt assures that the deportees are accurately identified as threats. El Salvador’s President Bukele has agreed to imprison them at a cost of $6 million annually, deemed a minor cost compared to the associated public safety risks. Evidence also shows a drop in illegal border crossings, supporting the administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.

The White House is steadfastly defending its decision to deport hundreds of criminal foreign nationals to El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s ruling temporarily halting the actions. This situation is set to be addressed in a court hearing. Recently, deportation flights carried 261 gang members who had illegally entered the United States during the Biden administration, facilitated by El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the deportations adhered to legal parameters, insisting that due process rights were not violated. She stated, “All of the planes that were subject to the judge’s written order took off before the order was entered in the courtroom on Saturday.” Leavitt confirmed that the administration would respond to due process queries raised in court.

Addressing concerns over potential misidentification of gang members, Leavitt affirmed the administration’s confidence in the accurate identification of those deported. Notably, 137 individuals were labeled terrorists under the Alien Enemies Act, including 101 members from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and 23 from the Salvadoran gang MS-13.

Furthermore, President Bukele has agreed to imprison the deportees, costing $6 million annually on a renewable contract. Leavitt emphasized that this expenditure is relatively minor compared to the dangers posed by the gang members within the United States. Reports indicate that crimes linked to the Tren de Aragua gang have surfaced in at least 22 states.

The Trump administration argues that strict enforcement of immigration laws is vital to mitigate the border crisis experienced over the past four years. February saw illegal border crossings hit record lows, with encounters dropping to 28,654 migrants, representing a significant decrease from the previous year.

In conclusion, the White House’s justifications for the deportations focus on legal compliance and public safety. The administration is resolutely prepared to address legal questions regarding due process, asserting the identities and affiliations of the deported individuals. The financial arrangement with El Salvador and the reduction in illegal border crossings represent the administration’s continued commitment to strict immigration enforcement.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com