State Department trades prisoner swaps for diplomatic leverage

On Jul. 18, 2025, Trump completed three-way swap: 252 Venezuelans from El Salvador's CECOT for 10 Americans held in Venezuela

The 252 migrants had been deported in Mar. 2025 under the Alien Enemies Act, not invoked since WWII, a federal court later ruled violated due process

El Salvador received $6 million from the US to house the deported Venezuelans at CECOT mega-prison for one year

Among those freed: Navy SEAL Wilbert Castaneda (detained 325 days) and Lucas Hunter (kidnapped from Colombia by Venezuelan agents)

Secretary Rubio declared every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free; Boehler called Bukele a good friend

Human Rights Watch warned Venezuela follows revolving-door pattern: releasing some while arresting others

Critics argue swaps incentivize hostage-taking; supporters say freeing Americans justifies difficult dealmaking