The Atlantic

What Can Trump Do About MS-13?

In a graphic speech Friday, the president threatened to track down and deport gang members in the United States. But the administration’s overall strategy isn’t clear.
Source: Jose Cabezas / Reuters

President Trump flew to New York Friday to talk about “liberating” Long Island from MS-13. Trump has often used the gang, its bloody tactics, and its ties to Central America to push his immigration policies, and the picture he painted Friday was one of Long Island as a war zone.

MS-13, Trump said, has “transformed peaceful parks and beautiful, quiet neighborhoods into blood-stained killing fields.” He said the gang members “stomp on their victims,” “slash at them with machetes,” and stab them

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