More than 250 Venezuelan citizens, deported from the U.S. to El Salvador's CECOT prison in March 2024, were released on Friday, October 26, 2024, as part of a prisoner exchange with the U.S. Following their return, Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab announced a formal investigation into allegations of torture, including sexual abuse, beatings, and denial of medical care, suffered by the detainees while imprisoned in CECOT. Saab presented videos of former detainees describing the abuses and displaying injuries, and stated that the investigation will include El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro, and Head of Prisons Osiris Luna Meza.

One former detainee, Andry Hernandez Romero, a 32-year-old beautician, described enduring "torture, physical aggressions, and psychological aggressions," including sexual abuse. Many detainees reported inhumane cell conditions, lack of sunlight and ventilation, and no access to lawyers or family. The Venezuelan government stated that the released citizens will receive medical assessments, interviews, and new Venezuelan ID cards. The allegations stem from the U.S. deportation of the Venezuelans under the rarely used 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a move that sparked international criticism. The U.S. deported the Venezuelans, allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang, without court hearings. The release of the Venezuelans was part of an exchange for 10 U.S. nationals imprisoned in Venezuela.

The release of the prisoners has been celebrated by Venezuela’s opposition, who noted that nearly 1,000 remain jailed in Venezuela for political reasons. Venezuela itself is under investigation by the International Criminal Court.