White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Claims Trump is Exploring Deportation of U.S. Citizens to El Salvador

In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump is contemplating the legal avenues for deporting U.S. citizens to El Salvador, following a proposition by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to house these individuals in prisons notorious for their human rights abuses. Although Leavitt stated this plan would focus on 'heinous, violent criminals,' Trump has previously expressed an eagerness to deport citizens for lesser offenses as well. The administration's idea raises significant legal and constitutional concerns regarding due process protections for U.S. citizens. Trump's previous use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan immigrants further complicates this scenario, casting doubt over the administration's legal justification for potentially expelling citizens from their homeland.