A Venezuelan-American murderer and former US Marine, who was convicted of killing three people in Spain in 2016, was among the 10 US nationals repatriated to the US last Friday in a high-profile prisoner swap involving the US, El Salvador, and Venezuela. The prisoner exchange saw the release of 10 Americans held in Venezuela and the repatriation of 252 Venezuelans, previously detained in the US and sent to a notorious Salvadorian prison under the Alien Enemies Act.
Dahud Hanid Ortiz, a convicted murderer, was one of the 10 US nationals who arrived in Texas last Friday. He was accused of committing a triple homicide in Madrid in 2016. Originally from Germany, Ortiz traveled to Spain to target his ex-wife’s new partner and ultimately ended up killing two women and a taxi driver at a law firm office.
Despite an international manhunt, Ortiz managed to escape to Colombia before crossing into Venezuela, where he was caught in 2018. Although Spanish authorities requested his extradition, Venezuela refused, choosing to try him for the murders within their jurisdiction. In 2024, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the triple murder.
Ortiz’s release has caused controversy, particularly among those affected by his crimes. The victims’ families and the ex-wife’s new partner, who narrowly escaped being a victim himself, expressed shock and betrayal over the news of Ortiz’s release. They argue that he was not a political prisoner but rather a convicted criminal who posed a significant societal threat.
The prisoner swap raised concerns about due process and hostage diplomacy. Critics argue that the deal undermines global security and violates international law. Moreover, the US’s past statements regarding the Venezuelan detainees being under the sole custody of El Salvador have been challenged by the swap.
The exchange included Wilbert Joseph Castañeda, who was arrested in Venezuela on allegations of participating in a CIA-led plot to overthrow President Maduro. He was a Navy Seal at the time of his arrest.
While the exact nature of the detentions is unclear, the prisoner swap has sparked criticism about the treatment of detainees and the humanitarian implications of such deals. One notable figure, Alex Saab, was exchanged for a US-wanted fugitive, highlighting the complexity of these negotiations.
Overall, the controversial prisoner swap has raised questions about justice, due process, and international relations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/23/ex-marine-released-prisoner-swap-deal
