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A Venezuelan migrant, Cristian, deported to El Salvador against a court order, was unexpectedly exchanged to Venezuela in a prisoner swap deal. His lawyers are unable to locate him. The deal involved the release of 252 Venezuelan migrants from a Salvadoran prison in exchange for 10 US citizens held in Venezuela. Cristian's attorneys argue he was a pawn in a political deal, violating a 2019 settlement that prevented deportation before asylum claims were adjudicated. They intend to seek sanctions against the government for non-compliance with court orders. The US government claims it is cooperating, but Cristian's location and willingness to return remain unknown.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.