El Salvador and US Facilitate Significant Prisoner Exchange with Venezuela

The governments of El Salvador and the United States have successfully executed a prisoner swap with Venezuela, resulting in the repatriation of 250 Venezuelan nationals and the release of ten Americans. This agreement symbolizes a strengthening of ties between El Salvador and the US under President Nayib Bukele.

El Salvador has initiated a monumental prisoner swap with the United States and Venezuela, leading to the repatriation of around 250 detained Venezuelans in exchange for ten US nationals who were previously confined in Venezuela. According to statements made by both the US and El Salvador governments, the deal involves Venezuelans who were deported from the US and subsequently imprisoned in El Salvador's notorious Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism (Cecot).

The repatriated migrants are set to arrive in Maiquetía, Venezuela, later on Friday. Notably, a high-ranking US official reported that as a result of this exchange, there are now no US citizens detained by Nicolás Maduro's government. President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador announced on X, stressing their commitment to humanitarian efforts, that all Venezuelan nationals accused of affiliations with the criminal gang Tren de Aragua (TDA) have been handed over.

Secretary of State Marc Rubio expressed his gratitude to Bukele and US officials through an X post, though privacy rules have kept the identities of the released American citizens undisclosed. Reports speculate that one of those released is former Navy Seal Wilbert Joseph Castaneda, who had been detained during a personal trip to the country.

The Venezuelans involved in this exchange had earlier been deported from the US under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, allowing deportation of individuals from "enemy" nations. Oscar González Pineda, whose mother expressed overwhelming joy at his return, was among those released. His mother, Gertrudis, fervently defended his innocence, asserting that he had no criminal affiliations.

US officials underscored that El Salvador's decision to release these detainees stemmed from humanitarian concerns, despite differing opinions on the prisoners' alleged connections to gangs. The highly complex negotiations were only confirmed to the press after the US nationals safely exited Venezuelan airspace.

Relations between Bukele and former President Donald Trump have seen substantial improvement in recent months, attributed to El Salvador's willingness to accommodate US deported migrants. Both leaders have shared amiable interactions since Bukele's visit to the White House in April, where discussions surrounding deportations and related humanitarian efforts took center stage.

Bukele has expressed a desire to negotiate similar exchanges, previously suggesting a deal that would involve repatriating 100% of the Venezuelans deported under the condition of the release of an equal number of political prisoners. Despite setbacks in these negotiations, US officials remain hopeful for potential outcomes as they pursue the release of numerous political prisoners in Venezuela.

While this latest prisoner exchange marks a significant diplomatic development, the US continues to grapple with its lack of formal diplomatic relations with Venezuela and the heavy sanctions imposed on the nation. Overall, this historic agreement signifies a strengthening of bonds between El Salvador and the United States, heralding optimism for future collaboration.