On Friday, a significant prisoner exchange unfolded between El Salvador, Venezuela, and the United States, resulting in the repatriation of over 200 Venezuelans and 10 Americans. The Venezuelans, previously deported from the U.S. to El Salvador in March under allegations of gang affiliations, arrived in Caracas after being held in El Salvador’s high-security CECOT prison. In return, 10 Americans detained in Venezuela were released and began their journey home via El Salvador, as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele in statements on X.

The Venezuelans were deported from the U.S. under the controversial invocation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act by former President Donald Trump, which allowed their expedited removal without standard immigration procedures. This move sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and legal challenges, with families and advocates arguing that many of the deportees had no gang connections and were denied due process. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in May that such deportations require “constitutionally adequate notice” and access to habeas petitions, limiting the act’s application.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro welcomed the return of 252 citizens, with two planes landing near Caracas. The government assured that the returnees would undergo medical evaluations before reuniting with their families, stating that only seven had significant criminal records. Additionally, Venezuela announced the release of 80 domestic political prisoners under “alternative” detention measures, including former opposition governor Williams Davila, alongside 14 others identified by a local NGO. Seven Venezuelan migrant children, previously separated from their parents in the U.S., were also repatriated on a separate deportation flight.

The exchange has drawn mixed reactions. Families like that of Jesus Rios, a Venezuelan detainee, expressed relief and joy at the news. However, Venezuela’s government, while condemning the detention of its citizens as a human rights violation, faces criticism for holding activists and opposition figures under similar conditions domestically. The operation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and international relations, with El Salvador playing a pivotal role in facilitating the swap.