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U.S. Intelligence Undermines Trump’s Justification for Venezuelan Deportations

A classified assessment refutes claims that Tren de Aragua operates under Maduro’s direction, challenging the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act.

Inmates pictured at the Centre for Terrorism Confinement, a high security prison in El Salvador, April 4, 2025. The U.S. has deported more than 200 people who it alleges are members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to this facility.
Image
Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States can be seen gesturing while walking down a plane upon arrival at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela on March 28, 2025. (Photo by Pedro MATTEY / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO MATTEY/AFP via Getty Images)
The relatives of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. who were flown to a prison in El Salvador by the U.S. government who alleged they were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, protest outside of the United Nations building in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Overview

  • A National Intelligence Council assessment found no evidence that Venezuela’s Maduro government directs the activities of Tren de Aragua, contradicting President Trump’s claims.
  • The intelligence report, supported by 17 of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, identified only minimal contact between low-level gang members and Venezuelan officials.
  • Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport over 130 alleged gang members to El Salvador without due process, despite a federal judge’s order to halt the deportations.
  • The Supreme Court ruled the Alien Enemies Act can be applied, but migrants must receive court hearings before removal, a step the administration bypassed in some cases.
  • The ACLU and other legal experts have criticized the administration’s actions, arguing the Alien Enemies Act cannot target non-state actors like criminal gangs.