Unjust Deportation: Venezuelan Migrant’s Ordeal Raises Concerns about U.S. Policy

Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a Venezuelan migrant with no criminal record, is feared to have been deported to El Salvador. His wife has lost contact and expresses concern for his safety. DHS alleges gang involvement without evidence, and the Trump administration claims all deportees had gang affiliations. Families seek justice and clarity in the legal process.

Recent reports indicate that Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant, may have been deported from the United States to El Salvador despite having no criminal record. Caraballo entered the U.S. in 2023 and sought asylum from persecution. After being detained during a routine check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), his wife, Johanny Sánchez, lost contact with him, leading his attorney to believe he was deported.

Documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allege Caraballo is associated with the Tren de Aragua gang. However, these records confirm he has no criminal history in the U.S. or Venezuela. Attorney Martin Rosenow stated, “He was not given due process. He was not able to defend this allegation.” The DHS document elaborates on Caraballo’s tattoos but does not directly link them to gang activities.

The Trump administration has maintained that all Venezuelans deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison were gang affiliates. A sworn declaration from an ICE official claimed a thorough vetting of migrants occurred to confirm their gang memberships, noting that while many lacked criminal records, some did.

Sánchez has been attempting to identify her husband among the deportees while expressing concerns about his situation in prison, stating, “He’s innocent.” CECOT prison is infamous for its isolation, lacking communication and visitor privileges, leaving families anxious about their loved ones’ conditions. Rosenow stated, “I’m concerned that we have no access. Who has custody over our client?”.

Sánchez expressed her hope that justice could prevail, emphasizing that the entire Venezuelan community should not be judged harshly. “Just because of being Venezuelans, they can’t judge us all for being criminals,” she remarked. Without further updates from DHS concerning Caraballo’s case and Salvadoran officials refusing to disclose more about the deportees, uncertainty looms for families affected by these recent actions.

Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a Venezuelan migrant without a criminal record, faces potential deportation to El Salvador, raising significant concerns regarding due process and his safety. Despite allegations linking him to gang activity, no evidence substantiates these claims, underscoring fears about the treatment of migrants. Families of deportees remain anxious, urging authorities to recognize the innocence of individuals wrongly judged based solely on their nationality.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com