notorious Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot) in El Salvador. Since January, President Donald Trump has accelerated deportations under an agreement with El Salvador, accusing many deported individuals of gang involvement, specifically linking them to the Tren de Aragua gang. The four men deny these accusations, claiming they were arrested in Texas for immigration offenses and mistaken for gang members because of their tattoos.

Their months in Cecot were marked by severe abuse, including beatings and being forced to eat with their hands, with allegations of systematic torture, sexual abuse, and rotten food, which Venezuela’s Attorney-General condemned. The Venezuelan government announced an investigation into the treatment of inmates at Cecot, criticizing the conditions. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele denied such abuses, arguing that Venezuela’s government was satisfied with the prisoner exchange, which involved 252 Venezuelans returned from Cecot to Caracas, and the release of all US nationals held in Venezuela.

The deported Venezuelans, accused by US authorities of links to gang activity, have refuted these claims, asserting they were falsely identified due to mistaken tattoos. Their arrival back in Venezuela was celebrated with joy; families decorated homes with the national flag and welcomed them with food and gifts. Mervin Yamarte, who worked in a Texas tortilla factory, described the physical and psychological torture he endured, recalling that guards told inmates they would never leave the prison and forcing them to eat like animals. His family expressed their relief at his return.

Similarly, Andy Perozo, the oldest of the four, recounted being beaten and shot with rubber bullets, with conditions that deteriorated to the point of riots after injuries. Rincón described being dragged and shackled upon arrival in El Salvador, emphasizing the abuse they faced. Despite the trauma, they expressed hope for the future, with plans to stay in Venezuela and work, and one even hinted at filing complaints against the US authorities for their treatment in Cecot. (BBC)