Concerns Raised Over Deportation of Venezuelan Migrant with No Criminal Record

Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a Venezuelan migrant detained by ICE, is feared to have been wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Despite allegations of gang affiliation, documents confirm he has no criminal record. His attorney’s concerns about his lack of due process reflect broader issues in U.S. immigration practices.

The case of Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant, highlights serious concerns regarding the deportation practices of the Trump administration. Caraballo, who entered the United States in 2023 seeking asylum, was unexpectedly detained during a routine check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Texas. Following his detention, his wife, Johanny Sánchez, lost contact with him, prompting fears that he might have been deported to El Salvador.

Documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicate that Caraballo is linked to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua, but they also confirm that he has no criminal record in the United States or Venezuela. Legal representative Martin Rosenow emphasized that Caraballo was not afforded due process: “He was not able to defend this allegation.”

Though the Trump administration maintains that all those deported to El Salvador’s CECOT facility had gang affiliations, an ICE official stated in a sworn declaration that the agency carefully vetted each deportee. The official noted that while many do not have criminal histories, some do. The presence of tattoos on Caraballo is mentioned in DSH documents, yet there is no direct link to gang involvement.

Sánchez has been tirelessly searching through images of recent deportees to locate her husband. She voiced her concern about his detention, asserting his innocence. “I’m concerned that we have no access,” Rosenow stated, expressing worries about jurisdiction over Caraballo’s custody. The CECOT prison is known for its severe restrictions, including no communication with the outside world.

In a plea for justice, Sánchez remarked on the prejudice faced by Venezuelans, stating, “Just because of being Venezuelans, they can’t judge us all for being criminals.” While DHS maintains their confidence in their intelligence and adherence to the law, they have not specifically addressed Caraballo’s case. Due to the lack of communication, Caraballo’s attorney fears that he may be left without legal recourse as Salvadoran authorities have declined to provide additional information regarding the deportees.

The situation surrounding Franco José Caraballo Tiapa underscores critical issues related to the treatment of migrants under the Trump administration. Despite having no criminal record, Caraballo faces deportation accusations rooted in gang affiliations, raising questions about due process and legal rights. The inadequacies in communication and jurisdictional challenges amplify concerns for his safety and well-being in El Salvador’s CECOT prison. This case highlights the broader implications of migration policies on innocent individuals seeking refuge.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com