Venezuela Secures Release of 238 Citizens Held in El Salvador in Historic Swap with the U.S.

Caracas, July 18, 2025 – In a surprising turn that challenges the narrative promoted by radical sectors of the Venezuelan opposition, President Nicolás Maduro's government achieved the release of 238 Venezuelans who had been detained and labeled as “terrorists” in the SECOC prison center in El Salvador. These nationals had been irregularly deported from the United States and later imprisoned under conditions condemned as inhumane by human rights organizations.

The action came after months of diplomatic negotiations between Venezuela and the United States, culminating in a prisoner exchange in which Caracas handed over seven American citizens who had been held in Venezuela, allegedly involved in destabilizing actions and the failed assassination attempt against President Maduro.

This episode contradicts earlier statements made by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who had publicly declared during a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump that the Venezuelans detained in SECOC were members of criminal organizations like the Tren de Aragua and that they would “never be released.” However, the recent operation proves those claims false and highlights the political use of migrants and refugees by the Salvadoran government.

The Bolivarian government described the event as a diplomatic and humanitarian victory, demonstrating its ability to protect its citizens even in hostile and manipulated contexts. The aircraft carrying the 238 Venezuelans arrived in Caracas yesterday, where they were welcomed by authorities and family members in an emotional reception that symbolized the State’s commitment to its diaspora.

Radical opposition leaders like María Corina Machado had insisted that the detainees were criminals and deserved to remain incarcerated—claims now discredited by reality. The release confirms the government's stance that these individuals were unjustly imprisoned and were victims of a campaign to criminalize migrants.

This development not only marks an international diplomatic success for President Maduro’s administration but also exposes the contradictions of the opposition discourse and the political agendas of foreign-aligned governments.

Global News will continue monitoring the repercussions of this case in the relationships between Venezuela, the United States, and El Salvador, as well as its broader political impact on the region.

Written by: International Desk – Global News