Jul 19, 2025, 4:08 AM
Jul 18, 2025, 12:00 AM

U.S. secures release of 10 Americans in prisoner exchange with El Salvador and Venezuela

Highlights
  • A prisoner swap involving the U.S., El Salvador, and Venezuela took place, resulting in the release of ten Americans.
  • The exchange included the return of 252 Venezuelans deported to a Salvadoran prison, accused of gang affiliations.
  • The swap highlights ongoing humanitarian concerns and reflects evolving diplomatic relations between the countries.
Story

In a significant diplomatic move, a prisoner swap recently took place involving the United States, El Salvador, and Venezuela. This exchange saw the return of ten Americans who had been detained in Venezuela, an event confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio shortly after the transaction occurred. The U.S. officials reported that the return of these individuals was part of a broader agreement where El Salvador agreed to send back 252 Venezuelans. The Venezuelan detainees had been deported to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) amid allegations that they were associated with the Tren de Aragua gang. This gang was previously accused of being a threat to U.S. security, resulting in their swift deportation under a wartime law invoked by the Trump administration. The nature of this prisoner swap was primarily humanitarian, according to official statements. Senior administration representatives emphasized that this deal had no discussions regarding sanctions, which had been a long-standing aspect of U.S. policy towards Venezuela. Instead, the focus was on the return of those held in detention, including families who had been separated and individuals wrongfully detained. Furthermore, as part of the deal, the Venezuelan government also released political prisoners, suggesting a potential shift towards a more conciliatory relationship and possible negotiations moving forward. The exchange, which occurred after intense negotiations between the involved countries, came against a backdrop of ongoing tensions and significant sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the United States. The swap has been described by several officials as a difficult and complex process that required careful diplomacy. A senior official described the negotiations as

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