TECOLUCA, El Salvador — On Wednesday, the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary conducted an inspection of a high-security prison in El Salvador, where Venezuelans deported from the United States are held. The Trump administration claims these individuals are affiliated with criminal gangs. During the tour, multiple cell blocks, an armory, and an isolation unit were visited, offering a glimpse into the conditions faced by inmates.
The visit by the Homeland Security official reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to deporting individuals it classifies as highly dangerous. The administration has justified deporting Venezuelans to El Salvador in court, asserting their gang involvement, while critics argue the detainees face harsh prison conditions without solid proof of their gang affiliation.
The official sidestepped questions from the media concerning the duration of the Venezuelans’ imprisonment and the possibility of their return to the U.S. if ordered by the courts. “We’re going to let the courts play out,” she commented post-visit.
One segment of the prison, housing the alleged Venezuelan gang members, was noticeably hot, and the detainees, clad in white T-shirts and shorts, quietly observed the official’s visit. They later erupted into an indistinct chant as she exited.
In another area holding Salvadoran inmates, men were instructed to remove shirts and masks, revealing tattoos, some indicative of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha gang. Following this visit, the official recorded a video emphasizing immigration consequences for illegal entry and criminal activity in the U.S., using the prison as a symbol of enforcement.
An encounter with El Salvador’s President further underscored the collaboration between the two countries against crime, despite some concerns regarding democratic processes under his leadership. According to the Homeland Security Secretary, this partnership could serve as a model for other nations.
Since assuming office, the Homeland Security Secretary has been at the forefront of emphasizing stricter immigration measures. Notable activities include participation in enforcement operations, collaborating with Border Patrol, and leading a media campaign advocating for self-deportation.
The Secretary’s visit is part of an itinerary that includes stops in Colombia and Mexico. Recently, Venezuelans were deported under the Alien Enemies Act, which grants the U.S. President special powers during wartime. However, a court ruling has temporarily halted further deportations.
A key issue with these deportations is the indefinite incarceration of Venezuelans in El Salvador without judicial review. They do not appear in U.S. immigration records and have not been presented in Salvadoran courts, although the administration labels them dangerous.
Families of the deportees and advocacy groups have challenged the claims of gang ties, arguing a lack of criminal history for the detained individuals. Efforts are underway in Venezuela to secure their release, with legal representation affirming innocence.
An interruption during the deportation process arose when a federal judge issued a verbal order to halt the flights, but the administration maintained its legal interpretation that only written orders were applicable, affecting flights already in transit.
According to the White House communication, flights carried 261 deportees, with a significant portion deported under the Alien Enemies Act. El Salvador’s President introduced this prison as part of his stringent anti-crime campaign, possessing vast capacity but limited privileges for inmates.
Deported Venezuelans lack consular support in El Salvador due to diplomatic estrangement since 2019. Footage showed the deported group arriving under heavy security, undergoing processing, and enduring the challenging prison regime.
El Salvador operates under stringent emergency protocols as part of the government’s aggressive stance against gangs, resulting in extensive detentions often bypassing legal standards. The prison’s offer to hold deportees was a key point during a visit from the U.S. State Department.
El Salvador’s Justice Minister, during the tour, highlighted the prison’s role from its opening, portraying a grim outlook for inmate rehabilitation.