Deported to a Maximum-Security Prison: What’s Really Going On with the Venezuelan Deportations?

Deported to a Maximum-Security Prison: What’s Really Going On with the Venezuelan Deportations?

On March 15th, over 200 Venezuelan men were deported to El Salvador and imprisoned in the infamous Terrorism Confinement Center, a maximum-security facility. The U.S. administration claims these men are connected to a Venezuelan gang called Tren de Agua, but here’s where the story gets murky.

Family members are speaking out, insisting their loved ones are innocent. And the more we dig, the more questions arise. While some individuals had criminal histories in the U.S. or abroad, others were charged with minor offenses, like speeding in a school zone or trespassing—certainly not the actions of dangerous gang members.

Take Neri Avila, a 25-year-old bakery worker from Dallas. His only offense was crossing the border at an unofficial point. So how did he—and many others—end up branded as gang members?

The U.S. government uses a point system to determine gang affiliation. 8 points? You're in. Tattoos? 4 points. Dress like the gang? Another 4 points. Spend time with gang members? That’s more points. In one case, a tattoo dedicated to autism awareness (a ribbon with rainbow puzzle pieces and a brother’s name) was used as evidence of gang ties. Experts argue tattoos alone aren’t enough to prove gang membership, but that didn't stop the deportations.

The most troubling part? These men were deported without trial, to serve years in prison in a foreign country—without evidence of significant criminal activity. The Trump administration insists these men were fully vetted, but it’s hard to ignore the inconsistencies and the lack of due process in the entire operation.

Is this justice or just another example of cruelty disguised as security? The question remains unanswered.