On Sunday, Venezuela's government criticized the U.S. for invoking an obscure wartime law to deport over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to El Salvador. The government expressed its opposition to the "anachronistic law, illegal and in violation of human rights" and raised concerns about the potential kidnapping of minors.

El Salvador's presidential office did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, and it was unclear what charges the alleged gang members face in El Salvador or if minors are among them.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador announced the arrival of the alleged gang members on X, stating that they had been taken to a terrorism detention center for a year with the possibility of extension. The decision followed a report from the Associated Press regarding the terms of the agreement.

"The United States will pay a very low fee for them, but a high one for us," Bukele mentioned, noting the inclusion of 23 members of the Salvadoran gang MS-13.

Venezuela's government urged the international community, especially the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), to unite against what it deemed a dangerous precedent for the region.