Venezuelans freed from El Salvador’s CECOT seek legal action over alleged abuses: Video

Speaking at a press conference, the former detainees accused both US and Salvadoran authorities of violating their right to due process.

According to their testimonies, a US federal judge ruled on December 22 that the administration of President Donald Trump unlawfully ordered their deportation and subsequent detention at CECOT after branding them as terrorists. The ruling determined that the group had been denied the opportunity to challenge the accusations through a fair legal process.

Ysqueibel Penaloza, one of the former detainees, said that a US federal judge ruled on December 22, 2025, that the administration of President Donald Trump had denied due process to 252 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador and held at the Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT). He said the decision orders that the group be granted the opportunity for a fair hearing under US law and described the ruling as a reaffirmation that no government, regardless of its origin, is above international law, due process or respect for human rights.

The former detainees alleged that they were subjected to psychological and physical abuse during their confinement at CECOT, experiences they say have left lasting effects on their mental health. Several also reported difficulties reintegrating into society following their return to Venezuela.

The group has called on both the United States and El Salvador to comply fully with the court ruling, insisting that conditions must be guaranteed for them to participate in future legal proceedings without fear or risk to their safety.

In March, 252 Venezuelans deported from the United States were imprisoned in CECOT after being accused of links to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, although 90 per cent reportedly had no criminal record. They were repatriated to Venezuela in July as part of a trilateral agreement, and have since publicly thanked President Nicolás Maduro for the government’s role in facilitating their return.