The U.S. deported 238 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
Internal documents show 75% had no known criminal record. Some, like a makeup artist and a soccer player, had pending asylum claims.
The Trump administration claimed links to the Tren de Aragua gang, citing tattoos and social media, but lawyers and experts say evidence is flimsy.
Despite a court order to halt the deportation, flights proceeded. Critics warn the move bypasses due process and violates international human rights standards.
Three weeks ago, 238 Venezuelan migrants were flown from Texas to a maximum security prison in El Salvador.
That country’s president offered to take them and the Trump administration used a law not invoked since World War II to send them – claiming they are all terrorists and violent gang members.
The government has released very little information about the men. But through internal government documents, we have obtained a list of their identities and found that an overwhelming majority have no apparent criminal convictions or even criminal charges.
Three weeks ago, 238 Venezuelan migrants were flown from Texas to a maximum security prison in El Salvador.
That country's president offered to take them and the Trump administration used a law not invoked since World War II to send them -- claiming they are all terrorists and violent gang members.
The government has released very little information about the men. But through internal government documents, we have obtained a list of their identities and found that an overwhelming majority have no apparent criminal convictions or even criminal charges.