Trump administration admits ‘many’ people being deported to ‘world’s worst prison’ have no criminal record
ArchiveFirst published March 22, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
President Donald Trump faced backlash after deporting over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to CECOT, El Salvador’s infamous mega-prison. A federal judge had temporarily blocked the deportations, but officials claimed the plane had already departed. Judge Boasberg instructed they be turned around, but they weren’t. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele mocked the situation, posting, “Oopsie… Too late.”
Controversial Detentions
Many deportees have no criminal record, according to ICE official Robert Cerna, who admitted in court that “many” had no convictions. He argued, “[A] lack of specific information about each individual actually highlights the risk they pose.”
International Reactions
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro condemned the move, accusing the U.S. of labeling teens as terrorists “simply for being Venezuelan.”
Bukele Defends Prison Transfers
Bukele said, “Today, the first 238 members of the Venezuelan criminal organization, Tren de Aragua, arrived… transferred to CECOT… for a period of one year (renewable).” He added, “The United States will pay a very low fee for them, but a high one for us.”
