El Salvador migrants freed in US prisoner deal journey to Venezuela
Venezuelan Migrants Return After Trump‑Led Prison Swap
In a move that highlighted the Trump administration’s “anti‑terror” immigration campaign, 252 Venezuelan men were flown to CECOT, the Salvadoran penitentiary known for its brutal conditions. They were shackled, shorn and paraded before cameras, becoming a symbol of the U.S. crackdown.
Swap with the United States
- After months of legal challenges, the men arrived at Caracas airport on Friday, stepping down with arms raised and one even kissing the tarmac.
- President Donald Trump announced that the release was part of a swap for 10 Americans and U.S. residents held in Venezuela, deemed “political prisoners” by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
- Families celebrated tearfully, with mothers making soup and parties to welcome their brothers home.
Repatriation Statistics
- Since February, the U.S. and Mexico have repatriated more than 8,200 people from the United States and Mexico to Venezuela, including about 1,000 children.
- In late March, 244 Venezuelans were deported from the United States, plus seven children, flying into Maiquetía airport.
Political and Human‑Rights Fallout
Human‑rights advocates—Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other groups—have condemned the detentions at CECOT, calling the conditions “inhumane” and demanding proof of life for the imprisoned men.
In a gesture of goodwill, Bukele accepted millions of dollars from the United States to house the Venezuelans at CECOT. He said, “It is hard to negotiate with a tyrannical regime, but we were able to do it.”
Future Negotiations
For the U.S., the swap opened a path for negotiating the release of 80 political prisoners from Venezuela. Assistant Secretary Adam Boehler praised Bukele as “an unbelievable friend to the United States.” The U.S. is now looking ahead to further diplomatic and humanitarian cooperation.
