Venezuelan Migrants Demand Justice After Transfer to Salvadoran Prison
A group of Venezuelan migrants, previously transferred to a prison in El Salvador by the United States government, are seeking justice following a federal court ruling in Washington. The ruling mandates that these men should either be given court hearings or allowed to return to the U.S., challenging the Trump administration’s claim that they belong to the Tren de Aragua gang and can be removed under an old wartime law.
At a press conference in Caracas, organized by the Venezuelan government, the migrants expressed their hope that legal organizations will support their case in court. Venezuela had earlier confirmed securing legal services for these individuals.
During the gathering, the men recounted their experiences, claiming to have suffered physical and psychological torture at the Salvadoran prison. “Today, we are here to demand justice before the world for the human rights violations committed against each of us, and to ask for help from international organizations to assist us in our defense so that our human rights are respected and not violated again,” said Andry Blanco, speaking on behalf of the group.
The men also shared the ongoing challenges they face, such as a fear of interacting with law enforcement, stemming from alleged abuses in prison. While many seek justice, not all are interested in returning to the U.S. “I don’t trust them,” remarked Nolberto Aguilar about the U.S. government.
Initially flown to El Salvador in March, these men were later returned to Venezuela in July as part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. Camilla Fabri, Venezuelan vice minister for international communications, stated that Maduro’s government is collaborating with a U.S.-based bar association and human rights organizations to file a significant lawsuit against the Trump administration and the U.S. government, aiming to hold them accountable for alleged crimes against the migrants.
