Trump-Era Deportations Sent Dozens of Innocent Venezuelans to Notorious El Salvador Prison
Report Reveals Asylum Seekers with No Criminal Records Deported Without Trial Under Counterterrorism Claims.
Watan-A new report has revealed that the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelans to a notorious prison in El Salvador, including asylum seekers with no criminal records in either the United States or Venezuela.
While the administration claims that those deported are affiliated with the infamous Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua,” their families and attorneys have questioned the validity of these allegations, stressing that no evidence has been presented so far. U.S. authorities have refused to release the list of names or provide any official documents to support their claims.
Secret List and Unknown Fate
CBS News obtained a rare internal document containing the names of the deportees, even as the administration continues to withhold the list publicly, citing the individuals as “dangerous terrorists.” For the families, however, the leaked list served as the first official confirmation that their loved ones had indeed been deported.
Footage released by the Salvadoran government showed the detainees arriving at the prison in handcuffs. Still, no evidence has surfaced linking them to any criminal organizations.
“My Husband Is Not a Criminal”
The story of Johan Sanz, wife of 26-year-old Venezuelan barber Franco Carabo, illustrates the plight of many. He entered the U.S. two years ago seeking asylum and was arrested last month during a routine check-in with immigration authorities. Sanz says her husband has no criminal record in either the U.S. or Venezuela and only found out about his inclusion on the list through a CBS producer.
With tears in her eyes, she says: “My little daughter keeps asking for him… We don’t even know if he’s still alive.”
Legal Controversy and Judicial Tension
A U.S. federal judge expressed frustration with the government’s handling of the case, describing the evidence it provided as “painfully insufficient.” He accused the administration of evading questions about the controversial deportations.
The White House defended its actions by citing “laws of war” that grant the president authority to deport foreign nationals without trial, arguing that releasing details of the operation could jeopardize counterterrorism efforts. Nonetheless, the judge offered the government the option to submit the required information privately for judicial review.
Deportation Without Trial: A Return to the Dark Ages?
Immigration rights attorneys have identified at least 44 Venezuelans among the deported individuals who had no prior offenses on record. Many fear these individuals are now facing indefinite arbitrary detention in inhumane conditions.
This case raises urgent questions about the current administration’s commitment to justice and transparency and has reignited human rights concerns over the practice of “deportation without trial” under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
