US Judge Orders Trump Admin Lawyer Access to Venezuelan Migrant in El Salvador Prison

A U.S. federal judge in Texas has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate communication between Venezuelan migrant Widmer Josneyder Agelviz Sanguino, who was deported to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, and his attorneys within 48 hours. The ruling marks the first known legal directive compelling the administration to allow attorney access to detainees held under the Alien Enemies Act at the El Salvador supermax prison, known for prohibiting outside contact. Agelviz Sanguino, who entered the U.S. through a refugee resettlement program and was later deported due to suspected gang affiliation based on a tattoo, denies any gang involvement; his family and lawyers argue his detention lacks legal justification. The judge also demanded the government confirm Agelviz Sanguino's location and health status within 24 hours and provide a legal basis for his continued detention. This case highlights broader legal and human rights concerns regarding the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of suspected gang members, including to the notorious CECOT prison. The government has signaled plans to appeal the decision amid ongoing scrutiny and previous court orders related to similar deportations and detainee rights.