“This repressive cooperation has now led to the enforced disappearance of more than 200 Venezuelan nationals arbitrarily deported to El Salvador’s CECOT."
Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International
Andry José Hernández Romero, a 31-year-old make-up artist and actor from Venezuela, came to the U.S. last year seeking safety. He had been targeted for being gay and for his political beliefs. Andry's asylum hearing was scheduled for March 17. But two days before that hearing, the Trump administration unlawfully detained and expelled him to a maximum security prison in El Salvador.
There was no court order authorizing his removal. No notification of his attorney. No hearing to contest allegations against him. No due process.
In March 2025, 260 others were also illegally sent to CECOT, a notorious prison in El Salvador known for its brutal conditions. This group included people in the midst of ongoing legal proceedings, who had no criminal record or ties to a gang, or had already been granted protection under U.S. law, including as required under the Convention Against Torture. Many were expelled without removal orders, a violation of established legal processes.
Most of the families of those unlawfully sent to El Salvador have not received any official information about their loved ones’ whereabouts.
The U.S. government violated a court order when they sent Andry and others to El Salvador. They are still trying to send more people.
Call on U.S. authorities to immediately return Andry and all others, ensure they can continue their immigration proceedings in the U.S., and halt any further expulsions.