In a landmark deal, El Salvador has repatriated around 250 Venezuelan prisoners in exchange for the release of 10 US nationals, strengthening ties between the US and El Salvador under President Bukele and drawing attention to ongoing issues in Venezuela.
El Salvador, US, and Venezuela Engage in Historic Prisoner Exchange
El Salvador, US, and Venezuela Engage in Historic Prisoner Exchange
El Salvador repatriates Venezuelan detainees in a significant swap for Americans held in Venezuela, showing evolving international relations.
El Salvador is making headlines as it repatriates numerous detained Venezuelans in a significant trade for US nationals held in Venezuela, as announced by US and Salvadoran officials on Friday. The Central American nation has sent approximately 250 prisoners from its notorious Cecot prison, known for its harsh conditions, in exchange for the freedom of 10 US citizens detained in Venezuela. The deported Venezuelans will arrive in Maiquetía, Venezuela later today.
In recent months, relations between Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and US President Donald Trump have strengthened considerably, particularly following Bukele’s agreement to detain deported US migrants within his country. A senior US official reported that the exchange signifies the release of the last remaining Americans incarcerated by Nicolás Maduro’s government in Venezuela. “We have handed over all Venezuelan nationals in our custody accused of ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal organization,” Bukele stated on social media, highlighting that the exchange was also aimed at securing the release of Venezuelan political prisoners.
US Secretary of State Marc Rubio confirmed the transaction while expressing gratitude towards both Bukele and the American authorities involved. The Venezuelans had been previously deported under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which allows for the detention of individuals from "enemy" nations without standard legal protocols.
According to a senior Trump administration official, El Salvador chose to release the Venezuelan prisoners—viewed as gang affiliates—out of humanitarian concerns. This deal emphasizes the strengthening rapport between Bukele and Trump, with the Salvadoran leader publicly associated with the title "world's coolest dictator." The exchange would not have come to fruition without Bukele's cooperation, a sentiment echoed by administration officials during press briefings.
Bukele’s administration has also shown readiness to discuss the repatriation of political prisoners from Venezuela, emphasizing the need for humanitarian agreements to address the plight of those detained under controversial circumstances in the Maduro regime. Although this current agreement only involves US nationals, ongoing discussions hint at future endeavors to free Venezuelan political prisoners, indicating a complex international relationship that could reshape regional dynamics.
In recent months, relations between Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and US President Donald Trump have strengthened considerably, particularly following Bukele’s agreement to detain deported US migrants within his country. A senior US official reported that the exchange signifies the release of the last remaining Americans incarcerated by Nicolás Maduro’s government in Venezuela. “We have handed over all Venezuelan nationals in our custody accused of ties to the Tren de Aragua criminal organization,” Bukele stated on social media, highlighting that the exchange was also aimed at securing the release of Venezuelan political prisoners.
US Secretary of State Marc Rubio confirmed the transaction while expressing gratitude towards both Bukele and the American authorities involved. The Venezuelans had been previously deported under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which allows for the detention of individuals from "enemy" nations without standard legal protocols.
According to a senior Trump administration official, El Salvador chose to release the Venezuelan prisoners—viewed as gang affiliates—out of humanitarian concerns. This deal emphasizes the strengthening rapport between Bukele and Trump, with the Salvadoran leader publicly associated with the title "world's coolest dictator." The exchange would not have come to fruition without Bukele's cooperation, a sentiment echoed by administration officials during press briefings.
Bukele’s administration has also shown readiness to discuss the repatriation of political prisoners from Venezuela, emphasizing the need for humanitarian agreements to address the plight of those detained under controversial circumstances in the Maduro regime. Although this current agreement only involves US nationals, ongoing discussions hint at future endeavors to free Venezuelan political prisoners, indicating a complex international relationship that could reshape regional dynamics.
