Myrelis Casique's life took a tragic turn when she recognized her son Francisco in video footage of deportees at a Salvadoran mega-prison. As fears deepen about the deportation process, many Venezuelans grapple with the risk of being falsely identified as gang members amid a crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Mother's Heartbreak as Son Deported to Notorious Prison After Leaving to Pursue a Better Life
Mother's Heartbreak as Son Deported to Notorious Prison After Leaving to Pursue a Better Life
A Venezuelan mother, Myrelis Casique, mistakenly identifies her deported son in shocking footage from a Salvadoran mega-jail, sparking fears among the Venezuelan community in the U.S.
In the impoverished neighborhood of Maracay, Venezuela, Myrelis Casique eagerly awaited the return of her son, Francisco José García Casique, 24, who had migrated to the U.S. 18 months ago seeking improved opportunities. They had spoken the morning of his deportation back to Caracas, explaining that he was being sent back for entering the U.S. illegally. Myrelis found solace in the thought of his return, but her joy turned to shock when she saw him in a television news report, not returning home, but being taken to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador.
The footage presented a chilling scene where 238 Venezuelan deportees were seen shackled and escorted by armed guards. Myrelis recognized Francisco from his tattoos, affirming, "It's him. It's him," as she pointed to images displayed of the detainees. Despite no official list being released, she is convinced that her son was among those wrongly classified as gang members. She passionately asserts his innocence, stating "he's not a criminal," but a barber simply seeking a better life in the U.S.
The U.S. authorities have labeled deportees as members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a designation that raises concerns of misidentification due to their tattoos. Myrelis believes these markings, which depict family names and roses, are unjustly leading to conclusions of gang affiliation. Other families share her anguish, similarly identifying their loved ones from the same footage, insisting they are innocent.
The Trump administration is using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportations without legal proceedings, asserting that all deportees are threats to national security. Critics argue that the categorization of individuals as gang members lacks a robust vetting process, fostering fear in the Venezuelan-American community.
While many fled Venezuela due to its crises, the latest immigration policies fuel uncertainty. Advocacy groups voice grave concerns regarding this indiscriminate approach towards deportation, especially for those without criminal backgrounds. The terminations of Temporary Protected Status for nearly 350,000 Venezuelans raises additional fears for those struggling for safety and belonging in America.
As Venezuelans within the U.S. navigate the treacherous landscape of immigration laws, many remain torn between hope for justice and the dread of being wrongfully penalized. As Myrelis concluded, "I wish it wasn't him… he didn't deserve to be transferred there."
