The airwaves were abuzz on Sunday, January 18, 2026, as CBS News finally aired a long-awaited and controversial "60 Minutes" segment focused on El Salvador's notorious mega-prison, CECOT. The broadcast marked a pivotal moment in the network's recent history, following weeks of speculation and internal debate .
The segment, led by journalist Sharyn Alfonsi, delves deep into the controversial deportation program that sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants from the United States to El Salvador's high-security prison, CECOT. The facility, known officially as the Terrorism Confinement Centre, has been under scrutiny for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights abuses .
Initially, the report was pulled by CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, citing the need for additional reporting . This decision sparked intense media scrutiny and debate, with many questioning the motives behind the shelving and subsequent airing of the segment. The Department of Homeland Security declined to provide on-camera interviews, adding to the intrigue and speculation surrounding the report .
The airing of the "60 Minutes" segment on CECOT represents a significant moment in American television journalism. After weeks of uncertainty and behind-the-scenes debate, the investigative report examining the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador finally reached a national audience .
The segment exposes how men accused of terrorism were transferred to a country many had never lived in, then imprisoned in CECOT, a facility widely regarded as one of the most brutal in the world. The report includes interviews with migrants who were sent to CECOT under President Donald Trump's aggressive crackdown on immigration, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of those affected by this controversial program .
The controversial "60 Minutes" report on El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison has finally aired, shedding light on a dark chapter in the Trump administration's immigration policies. The segment, led by investigative journalist Sharyn Alfonsi, provides an in-depth look at the deportation program that sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador's harshest prison. As the nation grapples with the fallout from this controversial report, one thing is clear: the story of CECOT is far from over .
