El Salvador’s Acknowledgment of U.S. Control Sparks Outcry Over Deportations

In a stunning revelation, the government of El Salvador has confirmed to United Nations investigators that the control over Venezuelan men deported from the United States lies with the Trump administration. This contradicts earlier claims made by officials from both nations and has ignited a significant backlash among immigrant rights advocates.

The details emerged in court filings from lawyers representing more than 100 migrants challenging their deportations to El Salvador’s infamous prison, known as the Terrorism Confinement Center or CECOT. This legal battle is part of a broader challenge against President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration measures.

Implications of U.S. Control Over Deportations

Salvadoran officials, in their response to the UN’s inquiries, emphasized that jurisdiction and responsibility for the detainees “lie exclusively with the competent foreign authorities.” This acknowledgment contradicts the Trump administration’s narrative, which claims it cannot intervene due to the men being “beyond the reach of U.S. courts.” This strained dynamic raises pressing questions about the human rights of those detained as they seek refuge from conditions in their home country.

Lawyers for the migrants, including representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward, indicated that the U.N. report illuminates a troubling reality: the U.S. government effectively controls the future of these Venezuelans. “The administration has not been honest with the court or the American people,” stated Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward.

This situation escalates the urgency surrounding U.S. immigration policies, especially as the administration had controversially agreed to a $6 million deal with El Salvador to transfer 300 migrants, invoking the Alien Enemies Act—a law dating back to the 18th century. Critics argue this move not only violates constitutional protections but also undermines due process rights for those affected.

Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns

The legal turmoil continues as the ACLU and other advocacy groups challenge the legitimacy of this prison arrangement, arguing it allows for the evasion of U.S. judicial oversight. Rights groups have launched lawsuits aimed at invalidating the agreement, highlighting a systemic issue where migrants are displaced without the protection of American laws.

Among the controversial deportations is the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly sent to CECOT against a judge’s orders. After considerable legal pushback, the administration was eventually compelled to return him to the U.S., where he now faces additional criminal charges tied to human smuggling.

This troubling pattern of jurisdictional ambiguity and rights violations shifts focus to the broader implications of U.S. immigration policy on international humanitarian standards. The handling of deportations appears to set a dangerous precedent, as the partnership between the U.S. and El Salvador unfolds amidst increasing scrutiny from human rights advocates.

As the legal challenges progress, the fallout from these revelations is poised to resonate beyond courtrooms. Advocacy groups are rallying for accountability and transparency in U.S. immigration practices, warning that the treatment of these Venezuelan migrants could reflect a grim reality for countless others facing deportation.