By Sama Marwan,
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated that the large-scale deportation of non-citizens from the United States in recent months—especially to countries other than their countries of origin—raises several human rights concerns.
The UN Human Rights Chief confirmed that, according to official U.S. data, 142,000 people were deported from the United States between January 20 and April 29. The fate and whereabouts of at least 245 Venezuelans and around 30 Salvadorans deported to El Salvador remain unclear, according to a statement issued by the High Commissioner.
Volker Türk explained that many of these individuals were deported under the “Alien Enemies Act”, labeled as members of specific criminal groups. According to reports, they were held in El Salvador’s high-security “Terrorism Confinement Center”, without legal assistance, without contact with relatives, and without any communication with the outside world. The UN Human Rights Office also said it has received information from families and lawyers regarding over 100 Venezuelans believed to be in custody.
Volker Türk stated:
“This situation raises serious concerns about a broad range of fundamental rights under both U.S. and international law—including the right to due process, protection from arbitrary detention, equality before the law, and protection from torture or other irreparable harm in third countries.”
The Human Rights Commissioner called on the U.S. government to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with due legal process, prompt and full implementation of its court rulings, protection of children’s rights, and an immediate halt to deportations to any country where there is a real risk of torture or other irreparable harm. He also welcomed the essential role played by the judiciary, legal community, and civil society in the United States in safeguarding human rights in this context.
