Venezuelan Migrant Sues Trump Administration Over Deportation to Notorious CECOT Prison

Neiyerver Adrián Leon Rengel alleges his rights were violated in deportation to El Salvador's CECOT prison.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 8:58pm

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A Venezuelan migrant who was deported from the United States to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison last year has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging he was wrongfully removed without due process. Attorneys for Neiyerver Adrián Leon Rengel say their client's removal violated his rights, and he is seeking $1.3 million in damages.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns over the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants with little due process, as well as the harsh conditions at the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador where many of these deported migrants were sent.

The details

Rengel presented himself at a U.S. port of entry several years ago, complied with immigration requirements, and was awaiting an immigration hearing set for 2028. However, he was arrested in 2025 and deported to CECOT, where he alleges he was beaten by guards, denied medical care, and held without contact with his family or legal counsel.

  • Rengel was arrested on March 13, 2025, his birthday, while headed to work.
  • Rengel was held at the Salvadoran CECOT prison for four months.

The players

Neiyerver Adrián Leon Rengel

A Venezuelan migrant who was deported from the United States to El Salvador's CECOT prison and is now suing the Trump administration.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that deported Rengel, claiming he was an associate of the Tren De Aragua gang and a public safety threat.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Rengel's lawsuit against the Trump administration to proceed.

The takeaway

This case raises serious concerns about the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants without due process, as well as the harsh conditions at the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador where many of these deported migrants were sent.