- United States
- Calif.
- Letter
The Trump administration's deportation of hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador is deeply concerning. Many of these individuals appear to have pending asylum cases or lack criminal records, calling into question the government's justification of alleged gang ties under the Alien Enemies Act. Families have recognized their loved ones in viral videos showing them being shackled and abused upon arrival, denying any gang affiliations and claiming they are being wrongfully targeted based solely on having tattoos. Deporting asylum seekers without due process to a prison known for human rights abuses is a violation of international law and runs counter to American values of justice and human dignity. I urge you to thoroughly investigate these deportations, ensure all individuals have access to fair asylum proceedings, and bring an immediate end to this unjust treatment of vulnerable refugees.