The United States deported over 200 Venezuelans to a Salvadoran prison, leading to protests from relatives who believe the migrants were misled about their destination. The Trump administration defends the action as targeting gang members, while families claim many are innocent and were tricked. The Venezuelan government has condemned the actions as kidnapping and is pursuing legal avenues for repatriation.
In a controversial move, the United States has deported over 200 Venezuelans to a maximum-security prison and forced labor camp in El Salvador, with their arrival on March 16, prompted by President Donald Trump’s use of wartime powers. Families of the deportees have protested, asserting that they were misled into believing they would be sent back to Venezuela instead of being incarcerated in El Salvador.
The Trump administration maintains that the individuals deported are associated with the Tren de Aragua gang and are essentially illegal immigrants. In contrast, relatives contest that many deportees were not criminals and were misled into preceding voluntarily. Gladys Coromoto Rojas, whose grandson Kenlyn Rodriguez was among those deported, expressed her outrage, stating, “How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador? They were deceived.”
Another case highlighted involved 36-year-old Maikel Rojas Olivera, who believed he was returning home, only to find himself sent to El Salvador. Detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in October, his family calls for the return of all innocent victims. Approximately 80 supporters rallied in Barquisimeto, demanding justice for the deported individuals.
The Venezuelan government has condemned this action, labeling the deportations a kidnapping. In response, they are taking legal steps, including engaging a law firm to facilitate the repatriation of the detainees back to Venezuela.
The recent deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador by the United States has spurred significant outrage and protests from families claiming the individuals were misled. The situation highlights a complex legal battle as well as deep familial and political ramifications, with Venezuelan authorities labeling the incident a kidnapping and seeking legal recourse for those deported. This case underscores ongoing challenges faced by migrants and the implications of U.S. immigration policy.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
