Ramos Bastidas was one of 252 Venezuelan men deported to Cecot as part of a deal negotiated between the US and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The agreement reportedly involved the release of 10 detained US citizens and several Venezuelan political prisoners in exchange for the deported individuals.

The alleged beatings began as soon as the Venezuelans arrived in El Salvador, Yamarte Fernandez said. The men, who were in handcuffs and chains, were immediately removed from the plane and taken to CECOT, where they say they were kicked, beaten and shaved.

The "Cartel of the Suns" was designated a global terrorist entity by the US treasury, which imposed fresh sanctions.

Oswaldo Muñoz, entrepreneur, editor, community leader and a key figure in the history of the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States, died on July 25 in Madrid at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer.