The El Salvador prison crisis has escalated as families identify their relatives among those deported. Venezuelan barber Francisco Jose Garcia Casique was among 137 suspected Tren de Aragua gang members expelled under Trump’s Alien Enemies Act. His mother, Myrelis Casique López, initially believed he would return to Caracas. However, a shocking news broadcast revealed him in El Salvador instead.
Casique’s brother, Sebastian, confirmed their fears. “We zoomed in on the photo, and it was him. A mother’s instinct never fails,” he said.
Families Claim Wrongful Deportations
Casique’s mother insists her son has no connection to criminal organizations. She believes U.S. authorities targeted him due to his tattoos, which feature roses and family names. “He has never been part of any gang,” she asserted.
Another devastated mother identified her son, Mervin Yamarte, among the deportees. “I threw myself on the floor, saying that God couldn’t do this to my son,” she told the BBC. Yamarte had lived in Dallas for years, working at a tortilla factory and playing soccer on weekends. His family maintains that authorities falsely labeled him a criminal.
El Salvador Prison Conditions Draw Criticism
The El Salvador prison where these deportees now reside has gained a reputation for brutal conditions. Human rights organizations report severe overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of medical care.
Prisoners remain locked in cells packed with up to 70 people. Armed guards enforce strict control, while inmates receive only 30 minutes outside their cells each day. International watchdogs warn that these deportees face inhumane treatment with no clear legal recourse.
Trump’s Crackdown Faces Legal Challenges
Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected gang members, claiming they posed a national security threat. His administration stated that officials relied on surveillance, law enforcement records, and victim testimonies to identify gang members.
However, a federal judge attempted to halt the deportation while the plane was in international airspace, citing due process violations. Since the written order arrived too late, Trump’s administration proceeded with the deportation.
Political Fallout and Widespread Backlash
Trump defended the move, blaming Biden’s administration for allowing gang members into the country. “These are monsters sent into our country by Crooked Joe Biden,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Senator Marco Rubio also praised Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for accepting the deportees.
Critics argue that rushed deportations led to wrongful expulsions. “My son is not a terrorist,” Casique’s mother insisted. “He was a barber trying to build a life.”
What Lies Ahead for the Deported Prisoners?
The fate of those in El Salvador prison remains uncertain. Some may face trials, while others could endure indefinite detention under dire conditions. Families continue seeking legal assistance, hoping to prove that authorities mistakenly identified some deportees.
As legal battles intensify, the case raises urgent concerns about immigration enforcement, human rights, and national security policies.
