On Wednesday, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made a noteworthy visit to the high-security prison in El Salvador, where Venezuelan individuals, alleged by the Trump administration to be gang members, have been detained since their removal from the United States. This tour included a comprehensive walkthrough of two crowded cell blocks, an armory, and an isolation unit, showcasing the harsh conditions of the facility.
Noem's visit comes amid the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to demonstrate its commitment to deporting individuals it classifies as the “worst of the worst.” The administration argues in federal court that the deportation of these Venezuelans to El Salvador was justified. In contrast, human rights activists have raised concerns about the treatment of deportees in a prison notorious for its human rights abuses.
During her tour, Noem observed an area housing some of the Venezuelans accused of gang affiliations. Inside the sweltering facility, men dressed in white T-shirts and shorts remained silent in their cells. Upon her departure, however, the men erupted into an indistinct chant, highlighting the tense atmosphere. In another cell block holding Salvadoran prisoners, guards instructed about a dozen inmates to remove their T-shirts and face masks. Many of these men displayed extensive tattoos, with some visibly marked with the letters “MS,” representing the Mara Salvatrucha gang.
After interacting with Salvadoran officials, Noem recorded a video message stating, “If an immigrant commits a crime, this is one of the consequences you could face.” She emphasized the risks associated with illegal immigration, warning potential migrants, “First of all, do not come to our country illegally. You will be removed and you will be prosecuted.” Her comments underscored the prison's role as a tool in the United States’ immigration enforcement strategy.
In a post shared on X, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed its commitment to collaborating with El Salvador, indicating that Noem would discuss increasing the number of deportation flights for violent criminals during her meetings with President Nayib Bukele. Since taking office, Noem has positioned herself at the forefront of immigration enforcement, participating in various operations and campaigns aimed at deterring illegal immigration.
The recent deportations of Venezuelans occurred after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming the US was facing an invasion from the Tren de Aragua gang. This act empowers the president to deport noncitizens without granting them a chance to appear before a judge. However, a recent setback for the administration arose when an appeals court upheld an order that prevents the deportation of more Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador under this act.
A critical question remains regarding the status of the deportees, many of whom are reportedly not serving sentences. The prison, officially known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, has seen these individuals disappear from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s online detainee locator, raising concerns about their legal rights and the due process.
Despite being labeled as the “worst of the worst” by the Trump administration, there has been a lack of transparency regarding the identities and alleged gang affiliations of those deported. Family members of several deportees have vehemently denied any connections to criminal activities, and a legal team representing about 30 Venezuelans asserts that many have no criminal records. The US government has acknowledged that this is indeed the case for numerous deportees.
Flights transporting these individuals were airborne on March 15 when a federal judge issued a verbal order to temporarily halt deportations. The Trump administration contended that only written orders needed to be followed, arguing that the judge’s verbal directive did not apply to ongoing flights.
Established in 2023, the prison symbolizes President Bukele's rigorous approach to crime control in El Salvador, boasting the capacity to hold up to 40,000 inmates in its sprawling pavilions. Each cell can accommodate between 65 to 70 prisoners, and the facility imposes strict restrictions, including a ban on visitors and the absence of educational or rehabilitation programs.
Since 2019, diplomatic relations between El Salvador and Venezuela have been severed, leaving Venezuelan detainees without any consular support from their home country. Footage released by the El Salvador government showed the harsh conditions faced by deportees, who were seen shackled and forced to kneel on the ground as they were processed upon arrival.
El Salvador has been under a state of emergency for three years, allowing the government to suspend fundamental rights in its aggressive campaign against gang violence. During this period, approximately 84,000 individuals have been arrested, often without due process, under accusations of gang involvement. Bukele's administration has strategically positioned itself as a strong defender against crime, seeking to bolster cooperation with the US regarding deportations and immigration enforcement.
