The abuses committed by the Trump administration have worsened the human rights situation in Latin America, encouraging oppressive governments, a Human Rights Watch report shows.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a report highlighting that the abuses committed by the Trump administration had a devastating impact on human rights in Latin America.

Donald Trump's return to power in 2025 has led to an increase in impunity in the region, encouraging oppressive governments to intensify their abuses. Juanita Goebertus, HRW's director for the Americas, stated that the rhetoric and actions of the Trump administration have contributed to the deterioration of democracy in Latin America. The report also criticizes El Salvador's decision to accept and incarcerate Venezuelan migrants expelled from the U.S., where they were subjected to torture. HRW highlighted that Latin American governments with repressive policies have recorded an increase in human rights violations, particularly emphasizing the case of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and the militarization of public security in Mexico. Even countries known for their commitment to defending human rights, such as Panama and Costa Rica, have detained migrants without justification, underscoring the negative influence of the U.S. government on the region.