In March 2025, the Trump administration facilitated the transfer of over 200 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador as part of a broader strategy aimed at deterring migration by relocating individuals to third countries. Interviews conducted with 40 of these men revealed accounts of severe mistreatment, including physical assaults, sexual violence by prison guards, and extreme psychological distress, with some individuals reportedly driven to contemplate suicide.

A team of independent forensic analysts reviewed the testimonies provided by the imprisoned men, concluding that the accounts were consistent and credible. The analysts indicated that many of the described actions met the United Nations’ definition of torture. The men reported being subjected to shackling, beatings, and exposure to rubber bullets and tear gas, leading to loss of consciousness.

They described a specific area within the prison known as 'the island,' where they faced additional punishment, including being trampled, kicked, and forced to kneel for extended periods. One individual recounted an incident where officers simulated drowning by submerging his head in water, while another reported being coerced into performing sexual acts on guards who were masked.

Prison officials allegedly communicated threats of death to the detainees, suggesting that they had been abandoned by the outside world. In response to their dire circumstances, some men resorted to self-harm, using their blood to inscribe protest messages on fabric. This situation highlights the urgent need for scrutiny regarding the treatment of migrants and the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies on human rights.