 data shows that the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador—despite knowing that more than half had no criminal record in the U.S.){kind=link}
Newly obtained Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data shows that the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelan men to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador—despite knowing that more than half had no criminal record in the U.S.
Deportation Amid Controversy
In March 2025, these Venezuelan immigrants were branded as “terrorists” and forcibly removed under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Officials claimed they belonged to Tren de Aragua, a violent gang, yet government data reveals that only 32 of them had U.S. convictions—mostly for minor offenses like retail theft and traffic violations.
Few Violent Offenses, Many with None
Of the deported group, only six had been convicted of violent crimes in the U.S. Moreover, 130 were found to have no criminal record beyond immigration violations.
“Many of these people had no due process,” Lee Gelernt, lead attorney with the ACLU, told the Texas Tribune calling the deportations “a fundamental violation of due process.”
Discrepancies in Gang Allegations
Although DHS claimed tattoos and social media posts were evidence of gang ties, no deportees matched known gang member lists from Interpol or Venezuelan police. Law enforcement experts emphasized that tattoos are unreliable indicators of gang affiliation.
Political Motivations
Immigration experts noted that the administration appeared to use the deportations to bolster its anti-immigrant narrative.
“There’s a gap between rhetoric and reality,” said John Sandweg, former acting director of ICE.
Personal Stories of Loss
Families were left reeling. Leidys Trejo Solórzano said her brother, Leonardo José Colmenares Solórzano, was a youth soccer coach with no criminal record.
“Even talking about it is hard for me,” she told the Texas Tribune.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Legal battles are underway, with courts examining the administration’s authority to deport immigrants without trial. The controversy also highlights concerns over indefinite detention and potential suspension of habeas corpus rights.
Conclusion
Despite administration claims, DHS data shows that most deported Venezuelans were not dangerous criminals, raising questions about the true motives behind their removal and the human toll of immigration enforcement.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.