Venezuelan Deported to CECOT Prison Sues U.S. for $1.3 Million
A Venezuelan man who was deported from the United States and held at El Salvador’s CECOT jail has filed a federal lawsuit. He seeks at least $1.3 million in damages for alleged mistreatment during his detention.
The lawsuit and claims
Neiyerver Adrián Leon Rengel, 28, filed the suit Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. His lawyers say the case cites false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The complaint was brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The League of United Latin American Citizens and the Democracy Defenders Fund assisted with the filing.
Allegations of abuse
Leon Rengel describes months in CECOT as severe and traumatic. He reports beatings, denial of medical care, and crowded, unsanitary conditions.
Human Rights Watch researchers concluded that detainees faced physical and psychological abuse. The study said some prisoners experienced sexual assault and that conditions met definitions of arbitrary detention and torture.
How he arrived and was deported
Leon Rengel entered the United States in 2023 using the CBP One program, at an official port of entry. He later faced a traffic-stop arrest in Texas and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Federal records reviewed by media show no deportation order for him. An immigration hearing was scheduled for April 2028, according to those records.
The March 2025 removals
In March 2025, the Trump administration removed more than 200 Venezuelan men to El Salvador. Many were sent to CECOT and held incommunicado for about four months.
Those detainees were freed in a prisoner swap in July 2025. Their returns drew international attention and spawned litigation in U.S. courts.
Government response and ongoing litigation
The Department of Homeland Security has asserted links between some deportees and the Tren de Aragua gang. DHS declined to release supporting evidence to news outlets, citing national security concerns.
A federal judge in Washington ordered the administration to help return deported Venezuelans so they can receive due process. That order is currently under appeal by the Justice Department.
Advocacy and legal steps
Leon Rengel’s suit follows an administrative complaint filed with DHS last year. LULAC’s chief executive said the lawsuit seeks accountability for what advocates call government-sanctioned mistreatment.
His lawyers argue he was detained despite having an active immigration case. They maintain he has no criminal history beyond the Texas misdemeanor.
Personal aftermath
Back in Venezuela, Leon Rengel says he does not plan to return to the United States. He wants to clear his name and challenge the allegations linking him to gang activity.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments in the case as the federal lawsuit advances.
- Plaintiff: Neiyerver Adrián Leon Rengel, 28.
- Location of detention: CECOT prison, El Salvador.
- Deportations: March 2025; prisoner swap release in July 2025.
- Legal filing: U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, filed Tuesday.
- Requested damages: at least $1.3 million.
