Venezuela has announced a comprehensive investigation into allegations of human rights abuses suffered by migrants in El Salvador’s infamous CECOT prison. This move follows the repatriation of over 250 Venezuelans who had been detained there after their deportation from the United States. Since March, these individuals endured deplorable conditions, which Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab described as "systemic torture," citing evidence of sexual abuse, relentless beatings, and inadequate food supplies.
El Salvador has yet to respond to these grave accusations. During a recent press briefing, Saab displayed testimonies and graphic images revealing detainees bearing injuries such as bruises and missing teeth, though these claims remain unverified by independent sources. Venezuela's investigation will target senior officials, including President Nayib Bukele, Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro, and the Director of Prisons, Osiris Luna Meza, calling on the International Criminal Court and the UN Human Rights Council to take action as well.
The Venezuelan migrants were deported under the controversial Alien Enemies Act, which permits the U.S. president to expel nationals of designated "enemy" nations. Many deportees were wrongfully associated with gang affiliations, a claim vehemently denied by their families and legal representatives. They were incarcerated in the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, originally built for gang members, and were denied access to legal counsel or family visits. Footage circulated by Bukele’s government showing the migrants arriving in chains and shaven-headed has sparked widespread condemnation.
In mid-July, these Venezuelans were released in a prisoner exchange for U.S. citizens held in Venezuela, with representatives from the Trump administration expressing their appreciation toward Bukele for facilitating this arrangement. Meanwhile, tensions remain acute as the U.S. continues to impose heavy sanctions on Venezuela, compounded by a Supreme Court ruling that could revoke Temporary Protected Status for up to 350,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S.
