Venezuela has released 10 jailed Americans in exchange for over 250 Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador under Trump-era immigration policies. (Image courtesy: X/@chicagotribune)
Venezuela released 10 jailed American citizens and permanent residents on Friday as part of a complex three-country deal, according to a report published by The Associated Press on Saturday. In return, El Salvador handed over more than 250 Venezuelan migrants previously deported under a Trump administration immigration policy, the report said.
“Every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free and back in our homeland,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly said while thanking El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for his role in the deal.
Calling it a “perfect day for Venezuela”, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro used the occasion to strengthen his image at home, even as Salvadoran officials confirmed they had returned all detained Venezuelan nationals, as reported by the publication.
The Venezuelan migrants had been held for months in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT mega-prison, infamous for its harsh conditions and minimal legal access. According to the report, the Trump administration had paid $6 million to house the migrants after accusing many of gang affiliations under the Alien Enemies Act, though no clear evidence was made public.
Maduro claimed some returnees were tortured, and said one man lost a kidney from beatings. Videos circulating online showed migrants in shackles boarding planes, with some crying and hugging their loved ones upon returning home.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said all returnees would undergo medical evaluations and background checks.
Rep. Robert Garcia confirmed the return of Andry Hernández Romero, a makeup artist who had been detained at the US-Mexico border and flown to El Salvador.
The deal, experts say, gives Maduro a political win amid claims he’d lost the 2024 election. It also helps him push back on American criticism over human rights abuses, even as Washington refuses to recognise his government officially.
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