Deported Venezuelan subjected to stress positions and solitary torture in El Salvador
Mar 15, 2025
Country of origin: Venezuela
DeportationDetention ConditionsUse of ForceThird Country DeportationCourt Order ViolationIn DetentionSolitary Confinement
Wuilliam Lozada Sanchez was deported to El Salvador's CECOT prison on March 15, 2025, under the Alien Enemies Act. He described being forced into stress positions for hours with guards watching for movement, and those unable to endure 24 hours on their knees were taken to 'the island'—a dark punishment cell with no light or ventilation where guards regularly beat detainees. He said 'the torture was never-ending.' He was released on July 18, 2025, as part of a prisoner swap.
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