Protests Erupt Over U.S. Deportations of Venezuelan Migrants to El Salvador

Venezuelan relatives protested against U.S. deportations after over 200 migrants were sent to a Salvadoran prison, believing they were returning to Venezuela. Families claim many were misled, with the Venezuelan government denouncing the situation as kidnapping.

On March 22, relatives of Venezuelan migrants protested against U.S. deportations after over 200 individuals were sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. These migrants, who believed they were returning to Venezuela, were instead subjected to forced confinement due to actions taken by President Donald Trump utilizing wartime powers against alleged gang affiliation.

The Trump administration maintains that the deported individuals are linked to the violent Tren de Aragua gang, as well as being illegal immigrants. However, relatives assert that many were misled into surrendering and were not criminals. “How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador?” questioned Gladys Coromoto Rojas, grandmother of deportee Kenlyn Rodriguez.

Families have expressed deep concern, especially with stories like that of Maikel Rojas Olivera, who informed his family of his return to Venezuela only to find himself sent to El Salvador. His sister emphasized, “We demand that they bring all those innocent boys from El Salvador to their country.” The Venezuelan government labeled the situation as kidnapping and is taking steps to facilitate the return of the migrants.

The protest by Venezuelan families highlights significant concerns regarding the deportation of individuals to El Salvador under allegedly false pretenses. While the U.S. government asserts a connection to criminal activity, families vehemently deny these claims, indicating many were deceived. There is a palpable hope for the return of the detainees, as the Venezuelan government denounces the operation and seeks legal recourse.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com