CECOT Prison

In March 2025, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was illegally deported to CECOT despite a court order protecting him. The Justice Department admitted the deportation was "in error." District Judge Paula Xinis ordered his return. On April 10, 2025, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the order. He was returned June 6, 2025, but immediately indicted on smuggling charges. His defense raised a "vindictive prosecution" claim.

CECOT Prison, El Salvador

location

Mega-prison built by President Bukele. 238 Venezuelans deported here in March 2025 under the Alien Enemies Act. 252 released in July 2025 prisoner exchange. ProPublica/Texas Tribune published testimonies. CBS pulled a 60 Minutes investigation into torture allegations. Kilmar Abrego Garcia held here until Supreme Court ordered return.

Salvadoran immigrant married to a U.S. citizen, living in Maryland. Had "withholding of removal" status from an immigration judge since 2019 due to gang violence risk. Illegally deported March 2025 to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled the deportation illegal on April 10, 2025, ordering the government to "facilitate" his return. Returned June 6, 2025 — but immediately indicted on charges of "conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens." His defense has raised a "vindictive prosecution" claim; a federal judge ordered release of related records in December 2025.

Nayib Bukele

person

President of El Salvador who offered the CECOT mega-prison to the US for deportees. 238 Venezuelans were held at CECOT before being released in July 2025 in a prisoner exchange for 10 Americans. CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss pulled a completed 60 Minutes investigation into torture allegations at CECOT hours before airing in December 2025; the segment leaked after airing in Canada.