State Department deports 17 more alleged gang members to El Salvador

The State Department on Monday announced that 17 alleged gang members were deported to El Salvador over the weekend. 

"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," the department said in a press release.

The department thanked El Salvadorian President President Bukele for his efforts in combating terrorism. 

"Once again, we extend our gratitude to President Bukele and the government of El Salvador for their unparalleled partnership in making our countries safe against transnational crime and terrorism," the statement concluded. 

The Trump administration is currently in a legal battle over using the Alien Enemies Act to deport illegal migrants out of the U.S.

Earlier this month, a federal court ordered a temporary halt to such deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that has only previously been used in wartime. It is unclear what law was used to deport the 17 people more recently deported.