A Venezuelan soccer player seeking asylum in the United States has been deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, allegedly due to a tattoo resembling a soccer logo. His attorney argues that the deportation was based on a misinterpretation, raising concerns about due process and mistaken identity.
Deportation Sparked by Soccer Tattoo
Linette Tobin, the attorney representing Jerce Reyes Barrios, stated in court filings that her client was wrongfully deported due to suspicions linking him to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). Barrios, a professional soccer player and children’s coach, was an outspoken critic of the Maduro regime and participated in protests earlier in 2024. Following one demonstration, he was detained and tortured in Venezuela before fleeing to the U.S.-Mexico border through the CBP One app in September 2024.
Despite entering the U.S. legally, Barrios was detained under maximum security, accused of having a gang-affiliated tattoo, and allegedly seen displaying gang signs in photos. However, Tobin contends that the tattoo in question—a crown over a soccer ball with a rosary and the word “Dios” (God)—was inspired by the Real Madrid logo, as confirmed by the tattoo artist. She also noted that the supposed gang signs were actually common gestures for rock and roll and “I love you” in sign language.
Evidence Ignored?
Tobin provided records from Venezuela proving Barrios had no criminal history and was employed as a professional athlete. After this evidence was submitted, Barrios was transferred out of maximum security and scheduled for a hearing on April 17. However, on March 10 or 11, he was suddenly moved to Texas without notice and then deported to El Salvador on March 15.
Barrios’ family and legal team lost all contact with him. His aunt, Ayari del Carmen Pedroza Guerrero, identified him in photos from the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador, recognizing a distinctive scar on his hand.
DHS Defends Deportation Decision
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Barrios was affiliated with the TdA gang. “Jerce Reyes Barrios was not only in the United States illegally, but he has tattoos that are consistent with those indicating TdA gang membership,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated. She also claimed that his social media activity indicated ties to the gang.
When pressed for additional evidence, an administration official stated that Barrios had other tattoos associated with TdA, though specifics were not disclosed.
Family Left in the Dark
Barrios’ family has not yet informed his young children about his imprisonment. His daughter, in a heartfelt video, spoke about her father: “I love him so much… he always tells me fairy tales and we always go to soccer games together. He loved me so much and always made me my breakfast of bread, eggs, and juice. I love you so much, Dad.”
Legal Battle Over Deportations
The deportation occurred despite a legal challenge to the use of the Alien Enemies Act. President Donald Trump recently declared the Tren de Aragua gang a national security threat, using the 1798 law to justify mass deportations. However, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg temporarily blocked the deportations and ordered the return of flights carrying alleged gang members. The administration has resisted compliance, citing national security concerns, and the Justice Department is considering invoking the state secrets privilege to withhold further details from the court.
Barrios’ case highlights growing concerns about potential misidentifications in deportation proceedings and the consequences of expanded immigration enforcement under the Alien Enemies Act.
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