Relatives of Venezuelan Migrants Protest US Deportations to El Salvador
In Barquisimeto, Venezuela, families of deported Venezuelan migrants protested against the US’s deportation of over 200 individuals to a Salvadoran prison, claiming they were misled into believing they were being sent to Venezuela. The deportations, ordered by President Trump, have sparked outrage and drawn criticisms from the Venezuelan government, which has labeled the actions as kidnappings.
In Barquisimeto, Venezuela, relatives of Venezuelan migrants protested against the United States’ decision to deport over 200 individuals to a Salvadoran prison. The protesters, who claimed to have been misled, asserted that many of these migrants believed they were being sent back to Venezuela, only to find themselves in El Salvador. The deportation occurred on March 16, following an order from President Donald Trump, invoking wartime powers to expel alleged gang members.
The Trump administration has stated that the deported individuals are connected to the violent Tren de Aragua gang or are illegal immigrants. However, families contend that many were innocent and were misled into surrendering. Gladys Coromoto Rojas, a grandmother of one deportee, voiced her confusion and outrage, stating, “How come so many people said they were coming to Venezuela and today they are in El Salvador?” She further affirmed that the migrants were deceived during a public gathering.
Relatives shared distressing accounts, such as that of Maikel Rojas Olivera, who had informed his family he would return to Venezuela, instead being sent to El Salvador after being detained by US authorities. His sister insisted that they demand the return of innocent individuals from El Salvador. Around 80 participants joined the protests, including family and neighbors of the deported migrants.
The Venezuelan government has condemned the deportations, labeling it as kidnapping, and has initiated efforts, including hiring a law firm, to repatriate the affected individuals back to Venezuela.
This situation highlights the distress faced by families of Venezuelan migrants as they protest against the United States’ deportation practices. The claims of deception and the characterization of the deportations as kidnappings by the Venezuelan government underscore the emotional turmoil and legal complexities involved. The ongoing legal proceedings in the US may further influence the fate of the deported individuals, as their families seek justice and their return home.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
