This past weekend saw President Donald Trump use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act in removing suspected members of the brutal Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang.

While a federal judge attempted to block the move, his effort was thwarted with help from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.

Planes took off before judge issued his order

According to Politico, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued an order on Saturday to prevent the deportation of illegal Venezuelan migrants.

"Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States however that is accomplished," Boasberg was quoted as saying during a video hearing.

While the judge went on to demand that his instructions be "complied with immediately," Politico noted that flight tracking data showed the two aircraft in question were already nearing their destination.

Some of the alleged gang members were sent to be incarcerated in El Salvador under an agreement worked out with that country's leader.

Secretary of state thanks El Salvador's president

"Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country," President Bukele wrote in a social media post.

Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived in our country. They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable).

The United States will pay a very low fee for them,… pic.twitter.com/tfsi8cgpD6

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 16, 2025

"They were immediately transferred to CECOT, the Terrorism Confinement Center, for a period of one year (renewable). The United States will pay a very low fee for them, but a high one for us," he continued.

What's more, Bukele went on to state that "the U.S. has also sent us 23 MS-13 members wanted by Salvadoran justice, including two ringleaders."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quick to express gratitude in a social media post of his own, writing, "Thank you for your assistance and friendship, President Bukele."

Trump designates Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization

The proclamation accused Tren de Aragua of "conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States."

These actions are said to include "murders, kidnappings, extortions, and human, drug, and weapons trafficking" as well as "mass illegal migration to the United States."