238 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador prison without trial; U.S. revokes protected status for 600,000+ Venezuelans
The U.S. deported 238 Venezuelans to indefinite imprisonment in El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison without trial. Many deportees have no criminal records. The administration also revoked Temporary Protected Status for over 600,000 Venezuelans, making them eligible for deportation.
What We Know
- 238 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador, imprisoned without trial
- Many have no criminal charges, records, or convictions
- CECOT prison has documented human rights concerns
- Alien Enemies Act of 1798 invoked to bypass due process
- TPS terminated for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans
- Federal judge ruled deportees were denied due process
- Families disputed gang membership claims
- More than 13,000 deported via chartered flights by late 2025
What We Don't Know
- Conditions inside CECOT prison
- Whether deportees have access to legal representation
- Total number affected by TPS termination
Common Misstatements
Claims that all deportees are gang members. Identification was often based solely on tattoos; families and human rights groups dispute gang affiliations for many deportees.