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El Salvador's Harsh Mega-Prison Exposed on CBS

El SalvadorMonday, January 19, 2026
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CBS News is set to broadcast a long-awaited report on a controversial Salvadoran prison on Sunday night. This prison, known as CECOT, holds migrants deported from the United States. The report was initially delayed in December, with CBS citing the need for further investigation.

Criticism and Conditions

CECOT has faced criticism from human rights groups due to its severe conditions. The prison houses hundreds of migrants, mostly from Venezuela, who were deported without a trial. CBS has added context to the upcoming broadcast, noting that the Trump administration sent these migrants to El Salvador, claiming they were terrorists.

Interviews and Descriptions

The segment includes interviews with Venezuelan men who were later released. They describe the conditions inside CECOT as "brutal and torturous." CBS News has emphasized its commitment to airing the report once it was ready. The network also mentioned that the segment would be part of a lineup of important stories.

Accidental Leak and Anticipation

Interestingly, the segment was accidentally streamed on Canada's Global TV app in December. This error led to increased scrutiny and anticipation for the full report. The decision to air the segment comes as new leadership at CBS News implements changes following a recent acquisition.

Broader Implications

The report raises serious questions about the treatment of migrants and the U.S. government's characterization of deportees. It also highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies and human rights.

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