Families of recently deported Venezuelan immigrants expressed shock and anguish after seeing their loved ones being sent to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. The families strongly denied their relatives’ involvement with the Tren de Aragua gang, stating they were wrongly accused and targeted because of tattoos. The deportations were carried out under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act from 1798, with the White House expressing confidence in the intelligence assessments regarding the immigrants’ gang affiliations.
Many of the deported individuals did not have criminal records in the United States, leading to concerns over the validity of the deportations. Families recognized their loved ones in a video released by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, showing them being shackled and prepared for imprisonment. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about conditions at the Terrorism Confinement Center where they were taken.
One family identified their relative based on his tattoos, which were found to be unrelated to any gang affiliation. Another individual had a pending asylum case and a scheduled hearing before being deported to El Salvador. The Venezuelan government has condemned the detentions, and a federal judge has raised questions about the legality and timing of the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
Overall, the families of the deported individuals express disbelief at the situation and are seeking answers and justice for their loved ones.
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