1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern and condemnation regarding the recent transfer of hundreds of immigrants, allegedly members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a mega-prison known for its harsh conditions and human rights abuses. This action, under the Trump administration’s agreement with President Nayib Bukele’s government, reflects a disturbing trend in U.S. immigration policy, wherein human rights are disregarded in favor of punitive and dehumanizing measures. The CECOT, which does not allow prisoners to receive visits, partake in recreational activities, or access education, has become a symbol of the inhumane treatment of individuals in the name of crime control. The immigrants, who have not been provided with clear evidence of any crimes they committed in the U.S., were sent to a facility where overcrowding, lack of basic necessities, and torture are rampant. The images and reports from the facility, showing shackled detainees subjected to degrading treatment, are deeply troubling and call for urgent action from the international community and human rights organizations. Additionally, the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify the deportation of individuals under such extraordinary and historically rare powers is concerning. The law, designed for wartime situations, has been invoked only sparingly and without clear justification in this case. The lack of transparency, evidence, or due process further undermines the principles of justice and fairness. I strongly urge your agency to take immediate action in addressing the grave violations of human rights occurring within El Salvador’s prison system, specifically in the CECOT facility. This action must include investigations into the conditions faced by deported individuals, efforts to hold the governments involved accountable, and actions to ensure that such inhumane practices are not part of any future U.S. immigration policy. The treatment of detainees in the CECOT facility violates fundamental human rights, including the rights to humane treatment, freedom from torture, and access to legal protections. I request that your office issue a statement condemning this practice and work to ensure that such actions do not continue under any future administrations. Thank you for your attention to this urgent and critical matter.