in World News Rubio Says 17 More ‘Foreign Gang Terrorists’ Deported To El Salvador
By Leif Le Mahieu
“These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that 17 more “foreign gang terrorists” identified as members of Tren de Aragua or MS-13 by the State Department had been deported to El Salvador.
Rubio’s announcement comes as the administration has been locked in a battle with a federal judge over President Donald Trump’s ability to deport suspected members of gangs designated as terrorist networks. Rubio did not disclose who specifically had been sent to El Salvador but said some were guilty of murder and rape.
“Last night, in a successful counter-terrorism operation with our allies in El Salvador, the United States military transferred a group of 17 violent criminals from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 organizations, including murderers and rapists,” Rubio announced. “In order to keep the American people safe, President Trump designated the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. These criminals will no longer terrorize our communities and citizens.”
Rubio thanked El Salvador President Nayib Bukele for his “unparalleled partnership” with the United States to crack down on gang crime.
Last night, in a successful counter-terrorism operation with our allies in El Salvador, the United States military transferred a group of 17 violent criminals from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 organizations, including murderers and rapists.
In order to keep the American people…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) March 31, 2025