Just hours before it was scheduled to air, a “60 Minutes” report exposing alleged “brutal and tortuous conditions” within a Salvadoran prison-where the Trump management deported individuals-was unexpectedly delayed.The declaration came around 4:30 p.m. ET Sunday, roughly three hours before the planned 7:30 p.m.ET broadcast (or following NFL coverage on CBS).
Prison Report Pulled From “60 Minutes” Schedule
The broadcast of a segment detailing conditions at a prison in El Salvador has been postponed, raising questions about its content and timing.
The “60 Minutes” segment focused on the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison in El Salvador.
The report was to feature interviews with deportees sent to CECOT by the Trump administration.
The delay occurred shortly after former President Trump criticized his treatment by “60 Minutes.”
In place of the segment,”60 Minutes” aired features on a musical family in England and the Sherpas of Everest.
“Editor’s Note: The broadcast lineup for tonight’s edition of ’60 minutes’ has been updated. Our report ‘Inside CECOT’ will air in a future broadcast,” the program announced on social media.
The segment, as previously reported, was to include correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi’s interviews with individuals deported to the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison in El Salvador under the Trump administration. The U.S.-based National immigration Law Center alleges that between March and April 2025, over 280 men were sent to CECOT “in secret, with no notice to their loved ones or attorneys,” and subjected to torture within the prison’s walls.According to the organization, 252 of those men were released four months later and sent back to Venezuela-a country many had initially fled due to fear of persecution.
The timing of the delay has drawn attention, especially in light of recent comments from former President Trump. He has publicly complained about what he perceives as unfair treatment by “60 Minutes,” and asserted that since David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison, acquired Paramount (the parent company of CBS), the program has “actually gotten WORSE!”
Sunday’s “60 Minutes” instead featured a report from correspondent jon Wertheim, focusing on the Kanneh-Mason family-seven siblings, all under 30, who are celebrated classical musicians. The segment highlighted their collaborative spirit and success on the world stage. Additionally, the program included a double-length feature on “The Sherpas of Everest,” with correspondent Cecilia Vega trekking to Everest Base Camp alongside a 19-year-old sherpa.
CECOT Prison-The Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) in el Salvador opened in 2023. It was built to house alleged gang members and has been criticized by human rights organizations for harsh conditions. The U.S. has deported individuals to CECOT, raising concerns about their treatment.
Trump’s Response-Former President Trump has publicly criticized “60 Minutes,” alleging unfair coverage. He specifically cited the recent acquisition of Paramount by the ellison family, claiming the program’s quality has declined since the purchase.
