Overview
- The segment investigated Trump administration deportations of roughly 252 Venezuelan men to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, with former detainees describing torture and other abuse.
- CBS added about three minutes of material to the updated cut, including statements from the White House and DHS, additional ICE data, and details about an interview subject’s tattoos.
- No senior officials appeared on camera despite fresh outreach last week, and DHS declined interviews and refused to provide complete records for the 252 men.
- An earlier version was mistakenly posted on Canada’s Global TV app in December and spread online, allowing comparisons with the final U.S. broadcast.
- The initial shelving prompted internal unrest at CBS, as correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi called the move political and staff raised concerns about editorial independence.