Venezuelan Families Protest Deportations to El Salvador Amid Claims of Deception

The article covers a protest in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, where relatives of Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador demonstrated against their treatment. Over 200 individuals were sent to a maximum-security prison after being misled about their deportation. The Venezuelan government has condemned this action as kidnapping and is pursuing legal strategies for their return.

On March 23, 2025, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, families of those deported from the United States to a Salvadoran prison protested for their loved ones’ release, claiming they were misled. More than 200 Venezuelan migrants were deported to a maximum security facility in El Salvador on March 16 after former President Donald Trump utilized wartime powers to expel alleged gang members.

The deportation has led to a legal battle in Washington, where a judge attempted to halt the flights, while outrage simmered in Venezuela among family members. The Trump administration contends that the 238 deportees were associated with the dangerous Tren de Aragua gang or were illegal immigrants, but many relatives assert that numerous deportees were non-criminals who were misled into surrendering.

Gladys Coromoto Rojas, grandmother of deportee Kenlyn Rodriguez, voiced her frustration, questioning, “How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador?” Furthermore, the family of Maikel Rojas Olivera revealed he had informed them he was returning to Venezuela, only to be taken to El Salvador instead. Olivera was detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in October of the previous year.

A gathering of approximately 80 individuals, including relatives and community supporters, participated in the protest, demanding prompt return for the innocent individuals detained. The Venezuelan government responded to the situation by describing the migrants’ detention as a kidnapping, and has engaged a law firm to facilitate their return to Venezuela.

In summary, the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador has ignited significant protests and legal challenges. Families express feelings of betrayal as many believed they were being returned to Venezuela rather than sent to prison. The Venezuelan government has characterized the incident as unlawful, seeking legal avenues for the return of those affected. Overall, this incident underscores the complexities of immigration policies and human rights concerns involved in such deportations.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net