El Salvador has repatriated around 250 Venezuelans in exchange for 10 US nationals held in Venezuela, both governments confirmed Friday, BBC reported.

The Venezuelans, previously deported from the US and held in El Salvador’s high-security Cecot prison, were accused of gang ties—claims some families deny. President Nayib Bukele said the exchange also included several Venezuelan political prisoners.

US officials confirmed all American detainees in Venezuela are now free. One was identified as former Navy SEAL Wilbert Joseph Castaneda. Others remain unnamed due to privacy concerns.

The deal, finalized once the Americans were safely in the air, highlights growing ties between Bukele and US President Donald Trump, who thanked El Salvador for aiding migrant detentions, according to BBC.

Officials said the agreement did not involve lifting US sanctions on Venezuela.