The Trump administration has deported 238 Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador, despite a federal judge ordering their return to the United States. The White House defended the move, arguing it was within its legal rights.

A Washington, D.C. federal judge had blocked President Donald Trump’s application of the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime law, to deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The judge ruled the act only applies to "hostile acts" by foreign nations, not criminal groups.

The White House dismissed the ruling, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating: "A single judge in a single city cannot direct the movements of an aircraft carrier full of foreign alien terrorists."

Despite the court’s order, flights carrying Venezuelans proceeded, with footage showing detainees arriving at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a mega-prison designed for up to 40,000 inmates. President Nayib Bukele mocked the ruling on social media, posting “Oopsie... Too late” alongside a laughing emoji.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reposted Bukele’s comments, later thanking him for his "assistance and friendship."

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act and urged the government to work with El Salvador to bring the deportees back. However, the Trump administration stated that "some" of the migrants had already been removed before the ruling took effect, without clarifying the exact number or circumstances.

The Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Salvadoran government have not responded to requests for comment.

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