Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, has recently gained attention due to its involvement in various criminal activities and its connections to broader immigration and security issues in the Americas. The gang has been linked to violent incidents, including human trafficking and drug-related crimes, prompting responses from governments in the U.S. and Central America. Notably, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has intensified efforts to combat gang violence, leading to the deportation of alleged gang members from the U.S. and increased collaboration with U.S. law enforcement.
Founded in Los Angeles in the 1970s and 1980s, MS-13 initially emerged as a protective group for Salvadoran immigrants facing violence from other gangs. Over the decades, it evolved into a notorious international criminal organization, known for its brutal tactics and extensive criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling. The gang's influence has spread across the U.S. and Central America, particularly in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, where it has contributed to significant social and security challenges.
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The US has officially designated eight Latin American drug cartels, including Mexico's Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. This move, part of President Trump's crackdown on drug trafficking, has raised concerns in Mexico about potential US military intervention and has prompted a strong response from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who emphasizes national sovereignty.
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Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul and Cristobal Mejia-Chaj, leaders of a human smuggling organization, were arrested in Los Angeles. They face charges for smuggling thousands of migrants from Guatemala to the U.S., linked to the deaths of seven immigrants in a crash. Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, an MS-13 leader, was extradited to face racketeering charges in Washington, D.C.
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The Trump administration has deported over 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador, despite a federal judge's order to halt the flights. The deportees include members of the Tren de Aragua gang and MS-13, raising legal and ethical concerns about the use of the Alien Enemies Act.
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Despite a federal judge's restraining order, the Trump administration deported over 250 Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador. The controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act has sparked a legal battle, raising questions about executive power and immigration policy.
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The Trump administration has continued deportation flights of alleged gang members to El Salvador, defying a federal court order. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg had issued a restraining order against the deportations, citing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The administration argues it has the authority to proceed under this law.
