U.S. Deportation of Alleged Gang Members to El Salvador Draws Legal and Human Rights Criticism
The Trump administration sent 261 alleged gang members to El Salvador's Cecot mega-prison, defying a U.S. court order and raising concerns over harsh prison conditions and due process violations.
- The U.S. deported 261 individuals, mostly alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, to El Salvador's Cecot prison under a $6 million agreement.
- A U.S. federal judge had issued an order to halt the deportations, but the Trump administration proceeded, claiming the order was unenforceable.
- Cecot prison is notorious for its harsh conditions, including overcrowding, indefinite detention without due process, and a lack of basic rights for inmates.
- Human rights organizations have condemned the deportations and Cecot's treatment of prisoners, citing violations of international human rights standards.
- El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has used the prison and zero-tolerance policies to solidify his strongman image, despite criticism of authoritarian tactics and erosion of civil liberties.
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