Maduro Condemns U.S. Deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador’s Mega-Prison

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned the United States’ deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s mega-prison, labelling it a “kidnapping” and asserting that the individuals are not criminals. He has called for their immediate return to Venezuela, CNN reported.

Addressing supporters on Wednesday, Maduro criticised Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s involvement, stating, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping, because our boys did not commit any crime in the United States, none.” He further claimed that the migrants were denied due process, deceived, handcuffed, and sent to a “concentration camp” in El Salvador.

The deportations occurred after U.S. President Donald Trump invoked an 18th-century wartime law, alleging that the 238 Venezuelans were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, despite a court ruling halting the move. The migrants, along with 23 Salvadorans, were transferred to El Salvador’s Counter-Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT) in Tecoluca, a facility criticised by human rights organisations for its harsh conditions.

In Caracas, Venezuelans protested the deportations, with some identifying their relatives among the detainees and asserting their innocence. Maduro expressed support for these families and announced plans to officially request El Salvador to release and return the detained Venezuelans.

According to CNN, The White House has not provided evidence linking the deported individuals to the Tren de Aragua gang. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that a thorough review was conducted to verify gang affiliations, but the names of the deportees have not been released.

Maduro also ordered an increase in flights to repatriate Venezuelan migrants detained in the U.S., emphasizing the country’s commitment to welcoming them back with respect and support.