Accused Venezuelan Tattooed Individual: Suspected Terrorist!

Venezuela's Migration Journey: A Flippant, Unjust Mess

The Venezuelan government's narrative on immigration has undergone a wild ride in recent years, mirroring the different phases of grief. First came denial, with fancy numbers and political capital grabbing a share of the limelight.

Next, anger erupted, as officials lashed out at those who had decided to abandon their homeland, labeling them as mere "toilet cleaners" and "American dream chasers."

Caught in the middle of the storm, many realized the harsh economic crisis, fueled by US sanctions, left them no choice but to seek solace elsewhere. In time, a dose of sympathy for the plight of migrants and, dare we say it, love followed suit.

The government unfurled the Return to the Homeland Plan in 2018, a program offering free flights to Venezuelan migrants with the promise of a warm welcome. Thousands took the offer and returned home, struggling to find a place, targeted by xenophobia, and shunned like stray cats.

While some returned through the government's plan, others embarked on treacherous journeys, crossing the Darien Gap in Panama and landing in the eye of the storm — the United States. Today, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint an accurate count of the number of Venezuelans in the US. The Migration Policy Institute states there are around 770,000 Venezuelan nationals, representing less than 2% of the total registered migrants, while former President Trump believed 600,000 belonged to Tren de Aragua.

Facing an immigration weakened by insufficient evidence, guilt by association, and unfortunate tattoos, tens of thousands of Venezuelans find themselves stuck in a legal quagmire.

Recently, over 200 Venezuelan migrants were deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law allowing for the removal of individuals deemed threats during wartime. Placed in the CECOT anti-terrorism prison, the largest facility in El Salvador with notorious inhumane conditions, they found themselves without any legal recourse.

The relatives of the detainees repeatedly stated their loved ones were innocent, claiming they were barbers, soccer enthusiasts, or simply devout believers with no connection to gang activity. However, the US government insisted they belonged to Tren de Aragua, a claim even US intelligence agencies have contradicted.

One heartbreaking example took place in Dallas, Texas, where 27-year-old Gustavo Aguilera was seized by ICE agents while attempting to take out the trash. With a legal work permit and a wife and two young children at home, Aguilera never understood why he was taken or how he ended up in El Salvador.

Ironically, the right-wing opposition, which spent years fueling migration while spreading criminalizing narratives, now finds itself unable to stand up against the injustices faced by Venezuelans. The Venezuelan government, on the other hand, has stepped up its efforts to bring migrants back, including those in the US. In solidarity, citizens have taken to the streets to demand respect for migrant human rights and encourage their return.

Jessica Dos Santos is a Venezuelan university professor, journalist, and writer whose work has been published in RT, Épale CCS magazine, and Investig'Action. She is the author of the book "Caracas en Alpargatas" (2018). She has won the Aníbal Nazoa Journalism Prize in 2014 and received honorable mentions in the Simón Bolívar National Journalism prize in 2016 and 2018.

This article reflects the author's perspective and not necessarily the viewpoint of the Venezuelanalysis editorial staff.

Translated by Venezuelanalysis.

Venezuelananalysis: Despite efforts by the government to bring migrants back, citizens have taken to the streets in solidarity, demandings respect for migrant human rights and encouraging their return.
Crime-and-justice: Over 200 Venezuelan migrants were deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law allowing for the removal of individuals deemed threats during wartime, landing them in the CECOT anti-terrorism prison, known for inhumane conditions.
Policy-and-legislation: The Migration Policy Institute states there are around 770,000 Venezuelan nationals in the US, while former President Trump believed 600,000 belonged to Tren de Aragua, raising concerns about insufficient evidence and guilt by association in US immigration.
General-news: The relatives of the detainees repeatedly stated their loved ones were innocent, claiming they were barbers, soccer enthusiasts, or simply devout believers with no connection to gang activity, contrasting with US government claims suggesting their connection to Tren de Aragua.
Politics: The right-wing opposition, which spent years fueling migration while spreading criminalizing narratives, now finds itself unable to stand up against the injustices faced by Venezuelans, contrasting with the Venezuelan government's increased efforts to support migrants.