On July 18, 2025, a significant diplomatic agreement was finalized between Venezuela, the United States, and El Salvador, resulting in the release of ten American citizens detained in Venezuela. In exchange, approximately 250 Venezuelan nationals, previously deported by the U.S. and held in El Salvador's maximum-security CECOT prison, were repatriated to Venezuela. This exchange also included the return of seven children who had been separated from their families during the deportation process.
The U.S. Department of State, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acknowledged the successful negotiations and expressed gratitude to President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for facilitating the agreement. Secretary Rubio stated, "Ten Americans who were detained in Venezuela are on their way to freedom," highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to this resolution.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed the repatriation of the Venezuelan detainees, noting their arrival at the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas. The agreement also encompassed the release of an unspecified number of Venezuelan political prisoners, with alternative detention measures, such as home confinement, being applied to some individuals.
This development marks a notable step in improving relations between the involved nations, demonstrating the potential for diplomatic engagement to resolve complex international issues.