Family of Deported Venezuelan Denounces Trump Administration’s…

The family of Francisco Javier García Casique refutes claims made by the Trump administration, which labeled deported Venezuelan migrants as terrorists. They assert his innocence, highlighting a lack of evidence against him, and call for an investigation into the unjust deportation of individuals without criminal backgrounds. Advocates and experts express outrage over the situation, emphasizing the dangerous precedent being set for migrants under authoritarian practices.

Relatives of Francisco Javier García Casique, a 24-year-old Venezuelan, have vehemently refuted claims by the Trump administration labeling deported Venezuelan migrants as “heinous monsters” and terrorists. The family insists that García, a barber, is an innocent man. His brother, Sebastián García Casique, expressed disbelief at seeing Francisco, who had never been imprisoned, among detainees in El Salvador. They had been anticipating his return to Venezuela after he was arrested by immigration officials in March 2023.

Sebastián’s heartache intensified when he recognized his brother in a video released by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, which depicted deported Venezuelan prisoners being escorted into a high-security prison. The video highlighted the shocking reality of their situation, as Sebastián noted the pain of seeing Francisco in such a context, far removed from his life as a hairdresser in search of a better future.

Lindsay Toczylowski, an immigration attorney from California, also reacted with horror upon seeing similar images pertaining to another Venezuelan client, fearing for their safety and legal status. She condemned the situation, stating, “It really is such an escalation … and to see it paraded and celebrated by the White House and by Bukele was just an absolutely shocking escalation of human rights abuses against migrants.”

Reports indicate that García and Toczylowski’s unnamed client are not unique cases; over 260 Venezuelans were deported to El Salvador recently, with many lacking any criminal history. Advocacy groups have raised concerns that Venezuelan immigrants, particularly those with tattoos, are wrongfully associated with gang affiliations, such as the notorious Tren de Aragua, despite many having no connections to such groups.

García, known for his tattoos reflecting personal beliefs, shares a specific inscription from the Book of Isaiah with his brother, which symbolizes resilience. Similarly, Mervin Yamarte’s mother implored for the release of her son, voicing that his tattoos were misinterpreted as gang affiliations, highlighting the arbitrary nature of their deportations. His brother also attested to Yamarte’s integrity and character, asserting that he sought a better life in America.

Francisco García’s journey began in Venezuela and took him through Peru, where he worked and shared his love for hairdressing on social media. Unfortunately, his aspirations took a dark turn upon arriving in the United States, culminating in his recent deportation to a prison in El Salvador. Advocates have expressed outrage over the lack of due process in these deportations, emphasizing the innocence of many individuals caught in this crisis.

Experts in migration, like Adam Isacson, criticized the alarming trend of deporting individuals to authoritarian regimes without due process, cautioning against the increasing normalization of such practices. They highlight that the consequences can affect innocent individuals, like Francisco García, requested by his brother to be freed from an unjust situation. The family calls for a reassessment of their cases, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between the innocent and those with criminal backgrounds.

The deportation of Venezuelan migrants like Francisco Javier García Casique to El Salvador has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and due process. Families insist on their relatives’ innocence amidst claims by authorities portraying them as criminals. The situation underscores the precarious status of migrants facing unjust treatment and emphasizes the need for scrutiny over deportation practices, particularly in authoritarian contexts. Advocacy for these individuals continues as families demand justice and clarity regarding their loved ones’ situations.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com