US deportees endure harsh conditions in El Salvador's mega-prison
Human rights concerns are mounting as Venezuelans are sent to Cecot prison by the US
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LIFESTYLE Terrorism confinement center
The Trump administration has deported 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador’s “Terrorism Confinement Center” (Cecot), a facility criticized by human rights groups for severe overcrowding and inadequate food. Despite a judge's temporary block on the move, the US proceeded, raising concerns about the treatment and legal rights of these individuals.
Recently, the Trump administration and El Salvador's president announced an agreement allowing the US to send both detained migrants and imprisoned citizens to the mega-prison in El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is known for his hardline stance on crime, especially gang-related activities. In 2023, he opened the Terrorism Confinement Center, or Cecot.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called El Salvador's offer to incarcerate US citizens “an extraordinary gesture never before extended by any country.” But the legality of this arrangement is still under review, according to Rubio. "Obviously, we’ll have to study it on our end. There are legalities involved. We have a Constitution, and we have all sorts of things," he added.
In this gallery, we take you on a journey inside El Salvador’s mega-prison. Click on for more.
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