Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns over the recent deportation of Venezuelan migrants from the United States to El Salvador, alleging that the actions of both governments have led to the disappearances of these individuals.
The controversy centers around the deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants, including asylum seekers, to El Salvador’s high-security prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite these deportations, citing alleged affiliations with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. However, investigations have revealed that approximately 75% of those deported had no apparent criminal records.
Families of the deported individuals have reported a lack of communication and information regarding their loved ones’ whereabouts and well-being. Many have identified their relatives in images and videos released from CECOT, but have been unable to establish contact or receive official confirmation of their status.
The Venezuelan government has condemned the deportations, with President Nicolás Maduro describing them as a “kidnapping” and a violation of human rights. Maduro has called for the immediate return of the deported individuals and has accused El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele of complicity in these actions.
The situation has sparked international concern, with calls for transparency, adherence to due process, and the protection of migrants’ rights. The U.S. and El Salvador governments have yet to provide comprehensive responses to these allegations.
