Venezuelan Migrant Deported to El Salvador Lacks Criminal Record, Raises Concerns
Franco José Caraballo, a Venezuelan migrant, was detained and reportedly deported to El Salvador despite having no criminal record. His wife fears for his safety in CECOT prison, and his attorney raises concerns about due process and the accuracy of deportation claims. DHS maintains they vetted individuals carefully but has not disclosed further details about Caraballo or the deportees.
Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant, entered the United States in 2023 seeking asylum from persecution. He was unexpectedly detained during a routine check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February, and his wife, Johanny Sánchez, lost contact with him on a subsequent deportation flight. Documents confirm that Caraballo has no criminal record in the U.S. or Venezuela, although he has been accused of ties to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua.
Attorney Martin Rosenow expressed concern regarding Caraballo’s lack of due process, stating, “He was not given due process. He was not able to defend this allegation.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to have vetted the deportees carefully, asserting that some may not have criminal records, despite the allegations against them. The DHS document detailing Caraballo’s case mentions tattoos but does not link them to gang activity.
Sánchez has been tirelessly searching for images of the recent deportees to find her husband, expressing her fears regarding his innocence and safety in El Salvador’s CECOT prison. The facility, known for its isolation and lack of communication, raises additional concerns for those without convictions. Rosenow noted, “I’m concerned that we have no access. Who has custody over our client?”
Both Sánchez and Rosenow appeal for the U.S. and El Salvador to show compassion, asserting that not all Venezuelans should be judged as criminals. Sánchez poignantly stated, “Just because of being Venezuelans, they can’t judge us all for being criminals.” Meanwhile, DHS has expressed confidence in its practices but has not provided further clarity on Caraballo’s situation, while Salvadoran officials have ceased providing information about the deportees.
The case of Franco José Caraballo highlights significant issues regarding due process and the treatment of migrants in the U.S. deportation system. His lack of a criminal record, combined with the allegations surrounding his deportation, raises questions about the fairness of immigration procedures, especially for individuals fleeing persecution. The plight of his family underscores the need for justice and humane treatment of all migrants, regardless of their nationality.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
