252 Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot) in March after a deal between the US and Venezuelan governments have described their treatment as "hell" and likened it to a "horror movie." The men, accused by the US of gang affiliation, were transferred without due process, sparking outrage from critics. Many were reunited with their families in Venezuela after their release last Friday as part of a prisoner exchange.

Deportés reported beatings, abuse, and the theft of their belongings during their four months of imprisonment. Carlos Uzcátegui described being beaten and kicked, while Arturo Suárez, whose reggaeton music gained attention online following his deportation, called the prison "hell" and vowed that those responsible would face divine justice. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other officials allege torture, including rape and pellet-gun wounds, though the Associated Press could not independently verify all claims.

Venezuela's attorney general has opened an investigation into the allegations against El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele. The deportations occurred after the Trump administration paid El Salvador $6 million to house the men, who were accused of belonging to the Tren de Aragua street gang. The men's families shared deeply emotional reunions, highlighting the human cost of the deportation policy and the desperate circumstances that drove many Venezuelans to migrate in the first place.

Impact Statement: The accounts of abuse have raised serious human rights concerns and prompted an investigation, potentially impacting US-Venezuela and US-El Salvador relations.