U.S. deports Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s controversial mega-prison

The U.S. has deported hundreds of mostly Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, where they are being held without trial in the country’s notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a mega-prison known for its severe conditions.

During a February visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele offered to incarcerate criminals deported from the U.S. in CECOT.

On March 15, the Trump administration deported 261 individuals to El Salvador. Of these, 137 were sent under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, though details on their cases remain sparse. A U.S. official stated in court filings that many had no prior U.S. convictions but were deemed a threat.

The deported individuals, including 101 additional Venezuelans, were placed in CECOT for a one-year renewable term. The U.S. paid El Salvador $6 million to accept them, the White House confirmed. The remaining 23 deportees were identified as Salvadoran gang members.

What is CECOT?

Opened in February 2023, CECOT is Latin America’s largest prison, with a capacity for 40,000 inmates. The facility, spanning 57 acres (23 hectares), is located 70 km (43.5 miles) east of San Salvador. Bukele stated in November that it cost $115 million to construct and equip.

The prison is central to Bukele’s security crackdown, which has led to a sharp decline in homicides. His government declared a state of emergency in 2022, arresting over 84,000 individuals, including members of MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs.

Official reports listed 14,500 inmates in CECOT as of August 2024. However, a government spokesperson declined to provide a current figure in March 2025, citing security reasons.

Conditions inside the prison

CECOT has drawn criticism for its harsh conditions. Images from inside the facility show prisoners packed together, heads shaved, and dressed only in shorts. There are no outdoor recreational spaces, and family visits are not allowed.

A September 2024 report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights flagged overcrowding, noting that inmates had an average of 0.60 square meters (6.45 square feet) of space—far below international standards.

Since the state of emergency began, civil society groups have reported over 6,000 human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and 366 deaths in state custody. The government denies these allegations.

Why is CECOT controversial?

CECOT has garnered both praise and condemnation. Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich lauded the facility in June 2024, calling it a model for tough-on-crime policies. A U.S. Republican delegation led by then-Representative Matt Gaetz visited a month later.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations have accused El Salvador of violating international legal standards. Reports cite allegations of torture, mass trials, and indefinite detention. YouTube videos showcasing the prison’s harsh conditions have attracted millions of views.

Bukele has defended the prison, declaring in August that “gang members will spend their entire lives in prison.” Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro reinforced this stance, stating in 2023 that those sent to CECOT “will never leave on foot.”

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