Venezuelan men sue US aviation firms over transport to Salvadoran prison

Three Venezuelan men who were deported to El Salvador during the Trump administration have filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C., accusing U.S. aviation companies CSI Aviation and GlobalX of violating their civil rights. The suit alleges that the airlines’ crews and operations contributed to the men’s false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and other legal violations while transporting them on three flights to the country’s notorious prison system.

The plaintiffs claim that the airlines knowingly facilitated the transfer of detainees to a facility known for harsh conditions and human‑rights abuses. They argue that the companies’ actions were reckless and that the men were subjected to unlawful detention and severe psychological harm during the journey. The lawsuit seeks damages for the alleged violations and calls for accountability for the airlines’ role in the deportation process.

The case underscores growing scrutiny of private contractors involved in immigration enforcement. As the litigation proceeds, it may set a precedent for airline liability in similar deportation operations, while the defendants have yet to respond to the allegations.