Utah Firm Prepares Major Lawsuit Against U.S. Officials

Lawyers based in Utah are initiating proceedings for a substantial $56 million lawsuit targeting former President Donald Trump and federal immigration authorities. The suit is being filed on behalf of a Venezuelan man who was allegedly detained and transferred to a notorious prison in El Salvador last year.

The legal team from Parker and McConkie formally unveiled their intentions on Tuesday to submit a notice of claim. This action is a necessary prerequisite before formally suing the government for the personal injuries their client reportedly endured due to actions by U.S. immigration officials.

The Case of 'Johnny Hernandez'

The client, identified by the pseudonym Johnny Hernandez, is 20 years old and has four family members currently residing in Utah. His attorneys assert that Hernandez suffered "catastrophic injuries" while incarcerated at the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, widely known as CECOT.

These alleged injuries were inflicted by prison guards at CECOT, according to the legal representation. Hernandez reportedly has no criminal record in either the United States or his home country of Venezuela, and he originally entered the U.S. legally.

Timeline of Detention and Transfer

Hernandez was detained by U.S. officials in San Diego, California, shortly after entering the country on August 22, 2024, accompanied by his four family members. Following his detention, he was eventually transferred to CECOT in March 2025.

He was part of the initial group of immigrants that U.S. officials transported to the Salvadoran facility. This transfer operation was a component of the Trump administration's broader strategy aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.

Controversy Surrounding the Transfers

The decision to send immigrants to El Salvador generated significant controversy and outrage among critics. This backlash intensified because administration officials reportedly disregarded judicial orders intended to halt the flights carrying these individuals.

While Trump administration officials maintained that those deported were criminals, this characterization has been questioned. Hernandez’s lawyers emphasize that their client possesses no criminal history in either nation.

Allegations of Unlawful Imprisonment

Jim McConkie, one of the attorneys handling the case, stated that the Trump administration "knowingly and unlawfully locked up an innocent person for four months in a concentration camp-like prison." He added that Hernandez endured torture, shootings, beatings, and solitary confinement during his incarceration.

McConkie further argued that when the U.S. government faces no accountability for knowingly violating the law by detaining and deporting innocent people based on false charges, the individual rights of all Americans are jeopardized, not just those of legal immigrants.

Release and Ongoing Impact

Hernandez, along with approximately 250 other Venezuelans sent to CECOT by U.S. officials, was released on July 18, 2025. Following his release, he was returned to Venezuela, where he currently resides.

His legal team confirms that Hernandez continues to suffer from the physical and psychological injuries sustained during his time at the CECOT facility.