60 Minutes Reports on “Inside CECOT” (Postponed), “The Sherpas of Everest” & “Presenting the Kanneh-Masons” December 21 2025

60 Minutes returns to CBS on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT, airing after NFL football. This week’s broadcast presents two deeply compelling stories: one examining the fallout from a controversial U.S. deportation policy, and the other highlighting the courageous Sherpas of the Himalayas. Together, these segments offer a powerful mix of investigative journalism and human triumph, as told by the award-winning correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.

• Inside CECOT: 60 Minutes Investigates the Hidden Cost of a Controversial Deportation Policy
• The Sherpas of Everest: 60 Minutes Explores a New Generation Redefining Mountaineering
• Presenting the Kanneh-Masons: 60 Minutes Explores the World’s Most Musical Family

Inside CECOT: The Consequences of a Controversial Deportation

This segment was postponed for a future broadcast.

In the opening segment, correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi investigates a little-known but highly disturbing consequence of U.S. immigration policy. Earlier in 2025, the Trump administration deported hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, despite their lack of ties to the country. The justification? The administration labeled many of them as terrorists, a claim that has since sparked outrage, legal challenges, and growing concern among human rights organizations.

The report focuses on the fate of those who were placed in El Salvador’s CECOT prison—one of the harshest and most secretive facilities in Latin America. Alfonsi interviews several of the now-released detainees, who describe cruel treatment, squalid conditions, and psychological torment inside the prison walls. The U.S. government, nine months later, still has not released the names of all those deported or explained the basis for their alleged terrorist designations. This segment, produced by Oriana Zill de Granados, sheds light on the opaque decisions made in the name of national security—and their devastating human toll.

CECOT, known for its iron-fisted approach to crime in El Salvador, has come under increased scrutiny due to this influx of Venezuelan migrants. Many of these individuals had no criminal record and were deported without due process. Their stories paint a picture of institutional cruelty, including beatings, isolation, and lack of medical care. Alfonsi’s interviews reveal the trauma these detainees now carry, even after their release.

What makes this report particularly urgent is the ongoing lack of transparency. Neither the Trump administration nor current U.S. officials have offered clear explanations or taken responsibility. Legal advocates argue that the deportations violated both international and U.S. law, and they continue to demand answers. Through detailed reporting and emotional testimony, 60 Minutes brings a hidden crisis into the public eye, raising vital questions about accountability and justice.

The Sherpas of Everest: A New Generation Takes the Lead

The second half of the broadcast takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey to the foot of Mount Everest. In a rare double-length segment, correspondent Cecilia Vega joins 19-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa on a trek to Everest Base Camp. Rinji, already a record-setter, is the youngest person to summit all 14 of the world’s highest peaks. His story is not only one of personal accomplishment but also a reflection of a broader shift within Nepal’s legendary climbing community.

For decades, Sherpas have guided foreign climbers to the summit of Everest, often without receiving recognition for their skill, sacrifice, and leadership. Rinji represents a new generation demanding that change. With Vega by his side, viewers witness not only the physical beauty of the Himalayas but also the cultural pride and ambition of the young Nepali mountaineers working to change the narrative. This segment, produced by Jacqueline Williams, is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

While Nima Rinji Sherpa’s achievements are extraordinary, the segment also honors the history of the Sherpa people and their deep connection to Everest. Vega explores how, for years, these climbers have been treated as invisible laborers behind Western expeditions. But now, through young voices like Rinji’s, Sherpas are becoming celebrated athletes and national heroes in their own right.

The story includes interviews with other members of the Sherpa community, revealing how younger climbers are using social media, sponsorships, and global partnerships to elevate their profiles. For audiences unfamiliar with the cultural and geopolitical dynamics of Everest expeditions, this segment offers an education—and inspiration. It’s not just about climbing the world’s tallest mountain; it’s about rewriting who gets to be remembered for it.

A Night of Truth and Triumph

This week’s 60 Minutes weaves together two powerful stories of survival and transformation. One exposes a grim political decision that led to unimaginable suffering inside a brutal prison. The other celebrates the rise of young heroes determined to reshape the legacy of their people. From the sealed cells of CECOT to the soaring heights of Everest, the December 21 broadcast reminds viewers of journalism’s unique ability to bring hidden truths to light.

Both segments reflect the program’s commitment to uncovering injustices and uplifting the human spirit. Whether investigating government overreach or spotlighting underappreciated trailblazers, 60 Minutes continues to deliver the kind of storytelling that resonates far beyond Sunday night.