The Salvadoran government has informed the United Nations about the custody status of over 100 Venezuelan immigrants who were deported to CECOT, the largest security prison, by the Trump administration in March. According to a report submitted by immigration lawyers from ACLU and CECOT, the U.S. government claims exclusive jurisdiction over these detainees.
This assertion was part of a court filing made on Monday, which included a statement from the Salvadoran government to the UN Human Rights Office in April regarding an ongoing investigation concerning four families affected by deportation. Salvadoran officials indicated that the responsibility for the detainees sent to CECOT in March lies solely with the U.S., referencing an agreement to take in approximately 300 immigrant prisoners.
A federal judge recently ordered the return of these exiled immigrants to the U.S., rejecting a request from Trump’s administration. This comes on the heels of the administration’s controversial use of a wartime immigration law that hasn’t been invoked since World War II, primarily deploying it against Venezuelan nationals accused of being connected to the Tren de Aragua gang.
Lawyers for the affected immigrants pointed out that the statements in the UN report should be utilized to push for further findings on the case managed by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. They’ve expressed concerns about the lack of transparency from the Trump administration, arguing it poses a threat to democracy and the safety of all Americans.
Interestingly, this recent information has started to impact ongoing immigration cases in the U.S., particularly one related to CECOT detainees who have been returned to the U.S. by federal judges. In light of these developments, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher has instructed the administration to clarify its stance in court regarding these deportations.
Judge Gallagher underscored the government’s failure to comply with previous orders to provide information about the deportations, stating that negotiations were held regarding the return of one specific detainee. Despite these legal maneuvers, he has not yet been brought back to the U.S.
This situation highlights the ongoing complexities in immigration law and the often contradictory actions taken by officials. As the case unfolds, Judge Paula Sinis is set to hear arguments about moving another detained immigrant, Kilmer Abrego Garcia, to U.S. custody. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of him being placed in ICE detention upon release, sparking further debate about the administration’s handling of such cases.
