Migrants detail abuse and horrors in Salvadoran prison

In September 2023, Mervin Yamarte, a 29-year-old Venezuelan, returned to his homeland after enduring a harrowing journey that began with a perilous trek through the Darien Gap, followed by detention in the US and subsequent deportation to El Salvador. He was among 252 Venezuelan migrants subjected to a harsh crackdown under the Trump administration's immigration policies, accused of gang activity without evidence. The migrants faced deplorable conditions at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), known for its notorious reputation, where reports of abuse, violence, and psychological torment were rampant. During their time at CECOT, detainees recounted memories of nearly unendurable experiences, including physical violence from guards, inadequate food, and extreme isolation. Many were held in small, poorly-ventilated cells designed to accommodate 80 prisoners yet were often overcrowded with individuals facing various accusations. Yamarte, alongside ex-detainees like Maikel Olivera and Andy Perozo, described beatings, mental torture, and threats from guards, who claimed such violations would lead them to rot in jail for centuries. The prisoners also suffered from mistreatment characterized by brutal responses to minor infractions. They were subjected to beatings for showering outside of designated times and faced rubber bullets and tear gas during disturbances. The psychological toll of their detention led some to resort to counting days with notches on soap as time dragged on under adverse conditions. Despite the trauma, hope remained for Yamarte and others, as many maintained thoughts of eventual reunion with their families serving as motivation to endure. Upon finally being released and returning to Venezuela, Yamarte expressed relief and gratitude, marking the incident as an ordeal of suffering that had come to an end. This narrative exemplifies the dire conditions faced by migrants fleeing violence and instability, further highlighting ongoing policies that criminalize the very act of seeking refuge from danger. The accounts shed light on the broader implications regarding migration enforcement, as they deepen the understanding of how migrants, particularly from vulnerable nations like Venezuela, are treated when they seek asylum or a chance at a better life.