In recent years, El Salvador has become a focal point of concern for human rights advocates and migrant families alike, as the current administration has imposed a controversial state of exception that has disrupted the lives of many deportees.
### Background: State of Emergency
The current state of exception was enacted in March 2022 by President Nayib Bukele, following a violent outburst allegedly linked to gang activity that left dozens dead. Initially intended as a temporary measure lasting 30 days, this suspension of rights has been repeatedly extended, transforming into a prolonged crackdown that has persisted for over four years. This has enabled authorities to detain individuals without sufficient legal justification, leading to an alarming increase in the incarceration rate—now the highest in the world. Reports estimate that nearly 92,000 people have been arrested under this regime, with a significant portion not documented as gang members prior to their arrest.
### Deteriorating Conditions for Deportees
Among those profoundly affected by this shift in policy are Salvadorans returned from the United States. T, a transgender woman who fled El Salvador five years ago due to harassment and threats, recently shared her traumatic experience upon her deportation at an airport. Upon arrival, T faced humiliating treatment by local authorities, who subjected her to invasive searches and threats of incarceration purely based on her tattoos—symbolic representations of her past struggles. Allegations of gang affiliation often haunt deportees, exacerbating their already precarious situations.
Human Rights Watch reported that since President Trump took office in January 2025, over 9,000 Salvadorans have been forcibly deported. Many have disappeared upon returning, becoming ensnared within the country’s widespread prison system—held incommunicado and barred from contact with relatives or legal representatives.
### Testimonies of Fear and Injustice
This fear resonates with families of deportees, including that of Salvador Eduardo Dubon Miranda, who was deported in 2023. Dubon was accused by Salvadoran police of gang affiliation despite having no prior criminal record. His wife, Jennifer Kesselberg Dubon, a U.S. citizen, has endured the agony of not knowing her husband’s fate since his imprisonment shortly after deportation. She has publicly expressed the overwhelming dread that he may have succumbed to the harsh conditions of incarceration.
Activists and attorneys have echoed these feelings of despair, noting that at least 517 Salvadorans have died in prisons during the current state of exception. Documented human rights abuses include arbitrary detentions, violence, and lack of basic medical care.
### Broader Implications for U.S. Deported Migrants
The impact of the state of exception extends beyond immediate imprisonment; it also encompasses economic ramifications for those deported. Many face challenges reintegrating into society, struggling to find work due to employer biases. Sarah Bishop, a Baruch College professor focusing on the post-deportation experiences of Salvadorans, has observed that deportees often return with outstanding debts to smugglers and are deterred from seeking employment for fear of police violence.
As part of their tacit agreement with the U.S. government, Salvadoran authorities can access information regarding deportees’ previous criminal records, leading to further unjust apprehensions. Deportees can find themselves detained based merely on past arrests or unverified suspicions, fueling a cycle of fear and oppression.
### Calls for Change
Advocates are urging a reevaluation of the situation, calling on the U.S. to assess whether deportees face threats of torture upon return. The Department of Homeland Security has refrained from commenting on the allegations of human rights violations against Salvadoran deportees, referring questions back to the Salvadoran government.
Legal aid professionals like Jonathan Levy are striving to help deportees navigate their predicaments, but lament the harsh realities posed by the current immigration and detention policies. Personal accounts, like T’s and those of families of deported individuals, highlight the pressing need for systemic change. They argue that the immediate restoration of due process in El Salvador is crucial for the safety and well-being of deportees, as it would offer a chance to reconnect families separated by both borders and bureaucracies.
Unless significant policy changes occur, many Salvadorans are left with dwindling hope and an uncertain future, trapped in a cycle of injustice that underscores the complexities of migration, deportation, and human rights.
Source: Original Reporting
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