The US has sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s Cecot prison, a mega-prison with harsh conditions that has drawn praise from hardline politicians and ire from human rights organizations. The facility is part of President Nayib Bukele’s security policy, which has led to a sharp drop in homicides.
Cecot is Latin America’s largest prison, with 40,000-capacity and costs $115m to develop. The prison is isolated in a rural region east of the capital San Salvador. Bukele has declared a state of emergency since March 2022, which remains in effect and has led to over 84,000 arrests.
The US government deported 261 people from Venezuela to El Salvador on March 15, with many having no convictions but posing a threat. The deportees were sent to Cecot for a one-year term that can be renewed. The prison has been criticized for overcrowding, with an average of 0.60 square meters per inmate, below international standards.
Human rights organizations have reported over 6,000 alleged violations in El Salvador since the state of emergency was declared, including arbitrary detentions and torture. Many critics have also highlighted the harsh conditions in Cecot, which include packed cells without outdoor space or family visits.
The prison has attracted global attention, with some praising its effectiveness while others criticize its human rights record. Bukele’s government denies allegations of abuse, but many groups continue to report concerns about mass trials and inmate deaths.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/cecot-el-salvador-venezuela-prison-trump-deportations