Trump Administration Knew Vast Majority of Venezuelans Sent to Salvadoran Prison Had Not Been Convicted of U.S. Crimes

Published: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:00 am

Trump Administration Deported Venezuelans to El Salvador Despite Lack of Criminal Records

A recent investigation by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, and Venezuelan media outlets reveals the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelan immigrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, despite knowing that the vast majority had not been convicted of crimes in the United States. The administration, which had publicly labeled the deportees as dangerous criminals and terrorists, based its assessment on a "thorough vetting process" that included looking at crimes committed both inside and outside the United States.

However, internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data obtained by the news organizations paints a different picture. The data showed that only 32 of the deportees had been convicted of U.S. crimes, mostly nonviolent offenses. Furthermore, over half of the deportees had no criminal convictions or pending charges listed. The investigation also found limited evidence of foreign offenses, contradicting the administration's claims.

The deportations, which occurred in mid-March, were carried out under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, with the administration claiming the deportees were members of the Tren de Aragua gang. This declaration allowed the administration to bypass judicial review and detain the immigrants indefinitely in a foreign prison. The investigation found no evidence linking the deportees to the gang.

The ACLU has called the deportations a blatant violation of due process. The administration, however, has defended its actions, with DHS officials insisting the deportees were dangerous, even if they lacked U.S. criminal records.

BNN's Perspective: This investigation raises serious questions about the Trump administration's handling of immigration and its use of rhetoric to justify its actions. While the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, the evidence suggests that the administration may have overstepped its authority and violated the rights of these individuals. The lack of transparency and the reliance on unsubstantiated claims are concerning.

Keywords: Trump administration, Venezuelan immigrants, deportation, El Salvador, criminal records, DHS data, Tren de Aragua, Alien Enemies Act, due process, immigration, ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, gang membership, nonviolent offenses, pending charges, ICE, ACLU, illegal aliens, terrorist, human rights abusers, gang members, rapist, savages, monsters, worst of the worst, White House, Abigail Jackson, Tricia McLaughlin, John Sandweg, Nicols Maduro, Tulsi Gabbard, Guantanamo, CECOT, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Leonardo Jos Colmenares Solrzano, Leidys Trejo Solrzano, Marianela Solrzano, Wilker Miguel Gutirrez Sierra, Maikol Gabriel Lpez Lizano, Cherry Flores, Jeff Ernsthausen, Adriana Nez, Carlos Centeno, American Civil Liberties Unions, American people, President Donald Trump, U.S.

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