After more than four months of suffering, 252 Venezuelan men who were unlawfully expelled from the U.S. to El Salvador have finally been returned to Venezuela as of July 18, 2025. This marks the end of a harrowing chapter, but concerns remain. While these individuals are no longer being held in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison, their safety and rights are still at risk in Venezuela. Amnesty International will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for their protection.
What happened?
On March 16, 2025, the U.S. government used the outdated and controversial Alien Enemies Act to forcibly expel 238 Venezuelan men to El Salvador. Just two weeks later, on March 30, 17 more individuals, both Salvadoran and Venezuelan, were also deported.
These men were sent to CECOT, a high-security prison known for overcrowding, extreme conditions, and human rights violations. Some detainees may have been subjected to treatment amounting to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Many of those expelled had already been granted protection in the U.S. or had active asylum claims. Instead of safety, they were sent back into danger.
By July 18, all 252 Venezuelan nationals were returned to Venezuela. However, this does not mean they are safe. Venezuela’s government has a well-documented history of persecuting those it sees as critics or dissidents. These individuals now face the real risk of being detained again or facing other abuses, in the very country they were trying to escape.
What’s next?
In the coming days and weeks, we expect to learn more about the abuse these men endured while held in CECOT. Amnesty International will continue to track how both the Venezuelan and U.S. governments treat these individuals going forward. It is critical that:
- No one is re-detained without due process.
- Those who wish to continue their asylum claims in the U.S. are allowed to return and do so outside of detention.
- The Venezuelan government ensures their safety and respects their rights.
Thank you to everyone who took action. While the men have been freed from CECOT, we remain deeply concerned about their safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed.
For now, we are relieved that some families can finally embrace their loved ones again and breathe a brief sigh of relief after months of anguish and total incommunicado separation.
No further action is requested. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
