Deported Migrants’ Relatives Protest in Barquisimeto
Venezuelan Migrants Sent to Salvadoran Prison Protest for Release
In the city of Barquisimeto, approximately 365 kilometers west of Caracas, relatives of Venezuelan migrants sent by the United States to a Salvadoran prison protested on Saturday for their release. The protest was joined by about 80 people, including relatives and neighbors of the migrants, who claim they were "deceived" in believing they were headed to Venezuela.
The Deportation Controversy
Over 200 Venezuelans were flown from the United States on March 16 to a maximum security prison and forced labor camp in El Salvador, after President Donald Trump invoked wartime powers to expel alleged gang members. The decision has triggered a legal standoff in Washington, with a judge trying to block the deportation flights, and in Venezuela, it has sparked outrage among family members.
Trump Administration’s Argument
The Trump administration argues that the 238 individuals were members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang, and at the very least, illegal immigrants to the United States. However, Venezuelan relatives claim that many of those shipped to El Salvador without trial were not criminals and were in some cases tricked into surrendering.
Personal Stories of Deportation
Gladys Coromoto Rojas, grandmother of deportee Kenlyn Rodriguez, demanded, "How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador? They were deceived." The family of 36-year-old Maikel Rojas Olivera explained that he had been in touch to tell them he was coming home to Venezuela on Saturday, only to be shipped to El Salvador. Olivera was detained by the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in October last year. He was initially held at a detention center in California until March 7, when he was transferred to Texas, to be flown on to El Salvador.
Venezuelan Government’s Response
The Venezuelan government has called the detention of Venezuelan migrants in El Salvador a kidnapping and announced the hiring of a law firm to manage their return to the country.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador has sparked outrage and protests among family members, who claim they were deceived in believing they were headed to Venezuela. The situation has led to a legal standoff in Washington and has sparked concerns about the treatment of migrants and the use of wartime powers to deport individuals.
FAQs
Q: Why were the Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador?
A: The Trump administration argues that the individuals were members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang and illegal immigrants to the United States.
Q: What is the Venezuelan government’s response to the situation?
A: The Venezuelan government has called the detention of Venezuelan migrants in El Salvador a kidnapping and announced the hiring of a law firm to manage their return to the country.
Q: How many Venezuelans were deported to El Salvador?
A: Over 200 Venezuelans were flown from the United States to El Salvador on March 16.