In a controversial move, the U.S. deported over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, causing public outcry and protests among their families, who claim deception about their deportation. While the Trump administration cites connections to gang activities as justification, relatives maintain many were innocent, leading to demands for their return and accusations of kidnapping by the Venezuelan government.
On March 16, over 200 Venezuelan migrants were deported from the United States to a maximum security prison in El Salvador, igniting protests among their families. These relatives alleged that they were misled into believing they were being sent back to Venezuela, not to a Salvadoran prison. This incident raises serious concerns regarding the treatment of deported Venezuelans and the conditions they face.
The deported individuals were reportedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, as stated by the Trump administration, which asserted their removal was justified under wartime powers aimed at expelling alleged gang members. However, many relatives of the deportees contested these claims, insisting that numerous individuals among them are innocent and were coerced into surrendering to immigration authorities.
Relatives such as Gladys Coromoto Rojas expressed their anguish, questioning why their family members were led to believe they were returning home only to find themselves imprisoned in El Salvador. A notable case is that of Maikel Rojas Olivera, who had informed his family he was coming back to Venezuela, only to be deported instead.
The event led to a protest of approximately 80 individuals, composed of families and neighbors seeking the release of the deported migrants. In response, the Venezuelan government condemned the deportations, labeling them as kidnappings and has initiated hiring legal representation to facilitate the return of their citizens.
The deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador has sparked significant outrage, impeding on the legal standing of their removal and complicating relations with the Venezuelan government. Relatives continue to demand justice for those they believe were wrongly deported under false pretenses. The incident triggers pressing discussions about the treatment of migrants and the implications of U.S. deportation policies.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
