Over 200 Venezuelans were deported by the US to El Salvador, sparking protests and legal battles. Families claim their loved ones were misled about deportation. The Venezuelan government has labeled the action as kidnapping, advocating for the return of the deportees.
On March 16, the United States deported over 200 Venezuelans to a maximum security prison and forced labor camp in El Salvador. This action was taken after President Donald Trump used wartime powers to expel individuals alleged to be gang members. The deportation has faced legal challenges, including attempts by a judge to block the flights, and has caused widespread outrage among families of the deportees in Venezuela.
The Trump administration contends that the deported 238 individuals are either part of the violent Tren de Aragua gang or illegal immigrants. However, relatives of the affected Venezuelans argue that many were not criminals and were misled about their destination. Protesters in Venezuela expressed their anger, with family members voicing their disbelief over the situation and demanding justice for their loved ones.
Gladys Coromoto Rojas, the grandmother of deportee Kenlyn Rodriguez, emotionally questioned the circumstances of their deportation, stating, “How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador?” Many families reported receiving communication from their relatives who believed they were returning home, further complicating the narrative.
One specific case is of 36-year-old Maikel Rojas Olivera, who was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last October. His family was informed he would be returning to Venezuela on Saturday, only to find out he had been sent to El Salvador. His sister demanded the return of the innocent individuals detained, stating, “We demand that they bring all those innocent boys from El Salvador to their country.”
The protests, involving around 80 participants including relatives and neighbors, highlighted the emotional distress and demands for the safe return of the deported migrants. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has condemned the actions of the US regarding its citizens and labeled the deportation as kidnapping, announcing plans to hire a law firm to assist with their return.
The deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador by the US has raised significant concerns and provoked public outrage. Legal efforts to halt the deportations persist as families demand justice for their relatives, whom they claim were misled and are not criminals. The situation continues to evolve, with the Venezuelan government taking steps to advocate for the return of its citizens.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
