In a significant diplomatic move, El Salvador has announced the repatriation of approximately 250 detained Venezuelans in exchange for several US nationals held in Venezuela. This exchange was confirmed by the governments of both the United States and El Salvador, marking a notable development in international relations and humanitarian efforts.
The exchange involved the release of 10 US nationals who had been detained by the government of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. The Venezuelans being repatriated were originally deported from the US under the previous Trump administration and were held in the notorious Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot) prison in El Salvador. The flight carrying these migrants is scheduled to arrive in Maiquetía, Venezuela later today.
A senior official from the US administration stated that, following this release, there are currently no US nationals remaining in custody in Venezuela. In a post on social media platform X, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced, "Today, we have handed over all the Venezuelan nationals detained in our country, accused of being part of the criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TDA)." This statement emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the exchange, which also included political prisoners held in Venezuela.
US Secretary of State Marc Rubio confirmed the details of the exchange, expressing gratitude to both Bukele and American officials for their roles in facilitating the deal. While US officials have chosen not to publicly disclose the identities of the released US nationals due to privacy concerns, reports indicate that one of them is former Navy Seal Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, who was detained during a personal trip to Venezuela last year.
The Venezuelans being repatriated include individuals like Oscar González Pineda, whose mother expressed overwhelming joy at his release, stating, "My heart is overflowing." González was detained while working as a tile and carpet fitter in Dallas and was deported to El Salvador as part of a broader immigration policy under the Trump administration. His family insists he has no ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, which complicates perceptions surrounding the exchange.
A senior official from the Trump administration remarked that El Salvador independently decided to release the Venezuelan prisoners, which it views as gang members, for humanitarian reasons. Despite this classification, families of the deported Venezuelans have vehemently denied any gang affiliations. The official noted that the negotiations for this complicated deal were tense but ultimately successful, stating, "Everything worked out, everything is fine, and everyone is safely on their way to be reunited with their loved ones."
The relationship between Bukele and former US President Donald Trump has strengthened in recent months, particularly as Bukele agreed to detain deported US migrants. This exchange underscores the growing collaboration between the two nations, with an administration official stating, "This deal would not have been possible without President Bukele." The two leaders have previously met in the White House, where they displayed camaraderie and mutual respect.
In light of this exchange, Bukele has proposed further humanitarian agreements, including the repatriation of Venezuelan deportees in exchange for political prisoners held by the Maduro government. Although Maduro's government initially rejected this proposal, US officials view the situation as a crucial opportunity to secure the release of US nationals. The Trump administration continues to focus on the release of political prisoners amid ongoing tensions with Venezuela.
As the US maintains heavy sanctions against Venezuela and lacks official diplomatic relations, the complexities surrounding deportations and exchanges highlight the need for continued dialogue and humanitarian efforts between nations.
