Dozens of immigrants have been deported to El Salvador’s infamous mega-jail, CECOT, as President Donald Trump defies court orders. Up to 250 alleged criminals were sent there under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rare wartime law last used during World War II. The deportations, aimed at gang members and criminals, were part of Trump’s push to tackle organized crime without court proceedings.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, who is focused on cracking down on gang violence, welcomed the move. He shared images of the deportees arriving and claimed that the US sent 23 members of the MS-13 gang, including leaders. The deportation deal was made in collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Bukele noted that the prison system could eventually become self-sustaining.

Trump praised the action, calling the deportees “monsters” sent by the Biden administration. A federal judge tried to block the deportation, but the Trump administration argued the move was lawful. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that a single judge could not stop the deportation of foreign criminals.