Protests Erupt in Venezuela Over U.S. Deportations to El Salvador

Relatives of Venezuelan migrants protested against U.S. deportations to El Salvador, claiming they were deceived into believing they were returning home. Over 200 migrants were sent to a prison in El Salvador following wartime powers invoked by President Trump. Families demand their innocent relatives be returned, while the Venezuelan government labels the actions as kidnapping.

On March 23, 2025, relatives of Venezuelan migrants protested in Barquisimeto against the deportations to El Salvador, where more than 200 soared on a flight from the United States to a maximum-security prison. These deportations occurred after President Trump utilized wartime powers to expel alleged gang members, igniting a legal dispute as a judge sought to block the flights.

The Trump administration asserts that the 238 deported individuals were connected to the Tren de Aragua gang or were illegal immigrants. However, relatives of the deportees argue that many were not criminals and were misled into surrendering to authorities.

Gladys Coromoto Rojas, a grandmother of one detainee, questioned the circumstances surrounding their deportation, calling it a deception. She expressed her frustration, stating, “How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador? They were deceived.”

Families of the traders voiced distress as well, sharing that some of the deportees, like 36-year-old Maikel Rojas Olivera, believed they were returning home. He had been in U.S. custody since October and was wrongly transferred to El Salvador instead.

Their demands were clear as they sought the return of the innocent migrants, with around 80 locals joining the protest. The Venezuelan government labeled the detention of its citizens in El Salvador as kidnapping and has secured a law firm to facilitate their return.

The protests reflect a significant outrage among families of Venezuelan migrants, asserting that many were wrongfully deported to El Salvador under false pretenses. The Venezuelan government has responded by condemning these actions as criminal and pursuing legal avenues for their return. This event highlights the complexities surrounding immigration policies and their profound impact on individuals and families.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net