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Repatriated Venezuelan Migrants Deported Under Alien Enemies Act Allege Torture in El Salvador

Venezuela’s attorney general has launched a probe into the CECOT facility following reports of torture including sexual violence.

Soldiers stand guard as unseen US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem tours the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on March 26, 2025.
Migrants deported months ago by the United States to El Salvador under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown arrive at Simon Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Friday, July 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
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Overview

  • All 252 migrants were returned to Venezuela on July 18 in exchange for 10 U.S. citizens held in Caracas.
  • Repatriates report systemic abuse at the CECOT prison including beatings, sexual violence, food deprivation and anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.
  • Deportations were carried out under the seldom-used Alien Enemies Act with migrants accused based solely on tattoos and denied any hearings or asylum screenings.
  • Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab has launched an investigation into President Nayib Bukele over the alleged torture at CECOT.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security dismisses the allegations as baseless and labels the returned migrants criminal gang members as human rights groups demand accountability.