Gay asylum seeker released from El Salvador megaprison, returned to Venezuela

Venezuelan makeup artist Andry José Hernández Romero, who sought asylum in the U.S. but was deported to a notorious El Salvador megaprison, has been released and returned to Venezuela. According to a story from the Bay Area Reporter, Hernández Romero’s July 18 release, part of a U.S.-brokered prisoner exchange, was confirmed by his attorneys and celebrated by LGBTQ+ activists and human rights groups. Hernández Romero’s case drew national attention after he was featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes. A U.S. immigration judge dismissed his asylum claim while he was imprisoned at CECOT, El Salvador’s controversial Terrorism Confinement Center. The Trump administration alleged Hernández Romero and hundreds of other Venezuelan migrants sent there were affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang—claims often unsupported by evidence. In court, U.S. officials pointed to Hernández Romero’s crown tattoos as proof of gang ties. However, the tattoos honor his parents, and his hometown celebrates the Catholic feast of Epiphany, symbolized by crowns. His lawyer, Lindsay Toczylowski, condemned the deportations as unconstitutional and inhumane. “We are relieved he’s no longer being tortured,” she said, “but the damage to our democracy is ongoing.” Hernández Romero was included in a deal with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that saw 250 deported migrants exchanged for 10 imprisoned Americans. The U.S. does not officially recognize Maduro’s government. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), who advocated for Hernández Romero, said he’s grateful the man is alive and back with family. LGBTQ+ leaders echoed that sentiment but demanded accountability in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Andry should never have been imprisoned,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “This was a violation of due process and human rights.” Hernández Romero had fled Venezuela in May 2024, citing persecution for being gay. He had a pending asylum hearing when he was removed to El Salvador. His future in Venezuela remains uncertain. The post Gay asylum seeker released from El Salvador megaprison, returned to Venezuela appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.