More than 250 Venezuelan migrants were repatriated to Caracas on Friday after being held for four months in El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison, where claims of human rights abuses have surfaced. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab stated that there was evidence of "systemic torture," including sexual abuse and daily beatings, as well as inadequate food provisions. El Salvador has yet to respond to these allegations. During a press briefing, Saab presented testimonies and photographs of detainees exhibiting serious injuries like bruises and missing teeth. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Venezuela is looking to investigate key figures in El Salvador's government, including President Nayib Bukele and Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro. Saab has called upon the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Human Rights Council, along with other regional organizations, to undertake their own inquiries. Ironically, Venezuela itself is currently under investigation by the ICC for similar allegations, including torture and the denial of legal representation for prisoners.
The Venezuelan migrants had been deported under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which allows the U.S. president to detain and deport citizens from designated "enemy" nations without the typical due process. Many of these men were accused of gang affiliation, claims that family members and advocates contest. They were detained in a facility designed for gang members and were reportedly denied access to legal representation or visitation from relatives. Their last public appearance, captured in photographs released by Bukele's administration showcasing handcuffed and shaved detainees, attracted widespread condemnation.
They were ultimately released in mid-July in a swap for U.S. citizens held in Venezuela, with a senior Trump administration official expressing gratitude to Bukele for facilitating the exchange. Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed stringent sanctions on Venezuela, and a recent Supreme Court ruling has jeopardized Temporary Protected Status for around 350,000 Venezuelans.
