Venezuelan National Files $1.3 Million Lawsuit Against Trump Administration
A Venezuelan man has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, seeking at least $1.3 million in damages for what he describes as government-sanctioned torture during his four-month detention at El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison. Neiyerver Adrián León Rengel, aged 28, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday through the Democracy Defenders Fund, which is representing him in this high-profile case.
Allegations of Wrongful Identification and Deportation
The complaint alleges that Rengel was wrongly identified as a member of the Tren de Aragua gang by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in March 2025. According to the filing, the sole justification provided for his arrest was the presence of tattoos on his body, which ICE officers claimed indicated gang affiliation. Rengel has consistently denied any connection to criminal organizations, stating in a recent CBS News interview: "I've never been a gang member, nor a member of a criminal group."
His legal team notes that his tattoos actually include the names of his mother and daughter—Sandra and Isabela—along with images of a barbershop and a tiger, rather than any symbols associated with Tren de Aragua. Despite these claims, Rengel was processed for removal from the United States.
Four Months of Alleged Torture at CECOT
The lawsuit details harrowing experiences during Rengel's detention at the CECOT facility in El Salvador. He alleges he was told he would be deported to Venezuela but was instead placed on a flight to El Salvador. For four months, Rengel claims he languished in inhumane conditions, facing:
- Physical beatings by prison guards
- Extreme overcrowding and psychological trauma
- Denial of adequate medical care
- Complete isolation from family and legal counsel
Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, which assisted with the case, stated: "What happened to Adrián Rengel is government-sanctioned torture and a failure to recognize his humanity because he happened to be an immigrant." Proaño emphasized that Rengel "deserves his day in court."
Government Response and Broader Context
When contacted for comment, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official defended the actions, stating that Rengel "entered our country illegally in 2023 from Venezuela and is an associate of Tren De Aragua." The official described Tren de Aragua as a "vicious gang that rapes, maims, and murders for sport" and asserted that Rengel was "deemed a public safety threat" and properly processed for removal.
The DHS official added: "We are confident in our law enforcement's intelligence, and we aren't going to share intelligence reports and undermine national security every time a gang member denies he is one. There IS due process for these terrorists who all have final deportation orders."
According to Reuters, Rengel was among 252 Venezuelans deported to CECOT last year. He was eventually released in July 2025 as part of a prisoner swap agreement and sent to Venezuela. The DHS official noted that the Trump administration deported "nearly 300 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) Prison in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people."
Legal Claims and Ongoing Proceedings
The lawsuit seeks damages for multiple alleged violations, including:
- False imprisonment
- Abuse of process
- Negligence
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
This legal action follows an administrative claim filed by Rengel last year, which first detailed these allegations. The Independent has reached out to the Democracy Defenders Fund, the Justice Department, and the office of El Salvador's president for further comments on the case.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for immigration enforcement practices and the treatment of detainees in international facilities. As the legal proceedings unfold, Rengel's case highlights ongoing debates about due process, national security, and human rights in U.S. immigration policy.
