Venezuelan deportee welcomes chance of US return but fears repeat of ordeal
The Guardian World
by Justo Robles in BogotáFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A US federal judge has ruled that Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration to a notorious prison in El Salvador must be allowed to return to the United States to fight their immigration cases. Among those affected is Luis Muñoz Pinto, a 27-year-old who fears facing the same harsh conditions and ordeal if he returns. The ruling, made by Judge James Boasberg in Washington DC, emphasizes that these individuals were illegally expelled last March and deserve the chance to seek due process. The judge also ordered the US government to cover travel costs for those wishing to return.
The case highlights the harsh realities faced by deportees sent to El Salvador, known for its brutal prison system. Pinto and others were part of a group of Venezuelan men who were forcibly removed from the US despite having legal claims to stay. Their deportation was carried out in March 2021 under the Trump administration, bypassing proper legal procedures. The judge’s decision marks a significant step toward rectifying what many view as injustices committed during that time.
This ruling sets an important precedent for due process and fair treatment of immigrants. It underscores the need for transparency and accountability in deportation practices
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/14/2026