3 sources·Politics

Justice Department Seeks Dismissal of MS-13 Leader's Case Amid Deportation Concerns

The Justice Department plans to dismiss charges against alleged MS-13 leader Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos to pursue deportation, prompting concerns over due process.

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The Trump administration has already sent roughly 260 deportees to the El Salvador’s notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT prison.
Justice Department moves to drop case against alleged top MS-13 leader, seeks to deport him instead
Associated Press·14d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Viewed through that lens, the otherwise mundane procedural request is all the more consequential.
Why an alleged MS-13 leader made an ‘unusual’ request to delay dropping his criminal case
MSNBC·14d
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.
The arrest came shortly after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which grants him the power to deport noncitizens during times of war or invasion.
Federal Government Moves to Drop Case Against Alleged MS-13 Gang Leader
Epoch Times·14d
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

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Updated: Apr 10th, 2025, 3:04 PM ET

Summary

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The Justice Department has moved to drop charges against Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos, accused of being an MS-13 leader, opting for deportation instead. His attorney argues this may deny him due process, fearing unlawful deportation to a dangerous prison in El Salvador. A judge is set to review this unusual case following concerns about potential violations of rights.

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The Justice Department plans to drop charges against alleged MS-13 leader Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos in favor of deportation due to concerns over his legal status and the implications of due process.
Villatoro Santos' lawyer argues that the rapid dismissal of the case poses a significant risk of unlawful deportation to a dangerous prison in El Salvador without a chance to contest the removal.
The administration's tough stance on immigration enforcement has been marked by high-profile arrests, but concerns about due process and wrongful deportations are raised, especially given past mistakes.

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