Story perspectives

Judge: Trump Illegally Deported Venezuelans to Abusive Prison

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

A U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled the Trump administration illegally deported over 200 Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador's CECOT prison without due process and ordered 137 to contest their deportation designations.
The detainees were sent to CECOT, a facility cited for severe abuse, based on dubious gang-affiliation claims.
CBS News faced backlash after pulling 60 Minutes segment on CECOT with torture testimonies, while Sharyn Alfonsi accused censorship amid pressures from Trump administration.

History

Historical Context

The Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, inaugurated in January 2023, was built amid a crackdown on gangs that began in 2022, following a surge in violence. By March 2025, CECOT housed over 14,500 inmates, facing criticism for overcrowding and human rights abuses. This scrutiny reflects ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees under the Trump administration's immigration policies.

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Story summary

A U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled the Trump administration illegally deported over 200 Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador's CECOT prison without due process and ordered 137 to contest their deportation designations.
The detainees were sent to CECOT, a facility cited for severe abuse, based on dubious gang-affiliation claims.
CBS News faced backlash after pulling 60 Minutes segment on CECOT with torture testimonies, while Sharyn Alfonsi accused censorship amid pressures from Trump administration.

1 / 2