Concerns Rise Over Deportation of Innocent Venezuelan Migrants to El Salvador

Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a Venezuelan migrant detained and feared to be deported to El Salvador, has no criminal record. His case raises questions about due process and the Trump administration’s deportation policies. Families of deportees express concern over the lack of information and the dangerous conditions within CECOT prison, emphasizing the innocence of many affected individuals.

A Venezuelan migrant, Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, aged 26, is believed to have been deported from the United States to an El Salvador prison. He entered the U.S. in 2023, seeking asylum due to persecution in his home country. His wife, Johanny Sánchez, lost contact with him after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a check-in in February 2023, and now fears for his safety.

Documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicate that although Caraballo was accused of being associated with the criminal gang Tren de Aragua, he possesses no criminal record either in the United States or Venezuela. His attorney, Martin Rosenow, emphasized that Caraballo was not afforded due process, stating, “He was not able to defend this allegation.”

The Trump administration claims that all Venezuelans deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison were connected to gangs, despite the fact that many do not have criminal records. An ICE official affirmed that each migrant was carefully vetted and noted that while some recorded gang affiliations, many of them lacked any criminal history. Sánchez has been attempting to find her husband among the recent deportees as concerns over his imprisonment grow.

The CECOT prison, known for its isolation and lack of communication access, raises significant worries for families of the detainees. Rosenow expressed concern over the lack of jurisdiction, saying, “Who has custody over our client?” This uncertainty amplifies fears regarding the safety and well-being of those deported. Sánchez expresses hope for mercy from both El Salvador and the United States, stating, “Just because of being Venezuelans, they can’t judge us all for being criminals.”

The DHS maintains confidence in the accuracy of their intelligence related to these deportations but has not commented specifically on Caraballo’s situation. Concerns arise over the jurisdictional complexities and the information void regarding the deportees, as Salvadoran authorities remain uncommunicative about their status.

In summary, the case of Franco José Caraballo Tiapa highlights significant concerns regarding the deportation practices of the Trump administration, particularly involving individuals without criminal records. The lack of communication from both U.S. and Salvadoran authorities creates a troubling scenario for families like Sánchez’s, who are left in the dark regarding their loved ones’ fates. Advocacy for fair treatment and due process remains critical as communities call for justice amid these harrowing circumstances.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com