Andry Hernandez Romero
Andry Hernandez Romero, a 31-year-old gay makeup artist seeking asylum in the U.S., has become a chilling example of the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on migrants. Despite having no criminal record, Romero was forcibly detained and deported to El Salvador’s notorious “Center for Terrorism Confinement,” a maximum-security prison, under the rarely-invoked Alien Enemies Act.
This act, used last during World War II, allows for the detention of immigrants without due process. Romero’s case is part of a broader Trump administration initiative to “eradicate” the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, resulting in the deportation of 238 Venezuelans, many with no criminal history.
Romero, who fled Venezuela last year due to persecution for his sexual orientation and political views, had entered the U.S. legally and was in the process of seeking asylum. His attorney, Lindsay Toczylowski, revealed on CBS’s “60 Minutes” that Romero had even passed a credible fear interview, indicating a strong likelihood of his asylum claim’s success.
However, without notifying his legal team, the U.S. government deported him to El Salvador.
Photographer Philip Holsinger, who witnessed Romero’s arrival, reported that Romero cried for his mother and was subjected to physical abuse, proclaiming, “I’m not a gang member. I’m gay. I’m a stylist.”
Toczylowski expressed grave concern for her client’s safety, citing the prison’s horrific conditions. She believes Romero was targeted because of crown tattoos on his arms, which she explains are related to his work in the beauty pageant industry and represent his parents. Experts have also noted that tattoos are not a reliable indicator of gang affiliation.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other legal advocates argue that the U.S. government has no legal right to send deported individuals to foreign prisons. They criticize the use of the Alien Enemies Act, emphasizing that it was never intended for such purposes.
Following the “60 Minutes” report, several House Democrats have voiced their concerns. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Cory Booker are planning visits to the El Salvador prison to advocate for the release of Romero and other detainees.
TAKE ACTION:
- Dial the U.S. House Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
- Demand:
- The immediate release and return of Andry Hernandez Romero and others deported without due process.
- Attorney access and communication for all detainees under the Alien Enemies Act.
- A halt to the use of the Alien Enemies Act to disappear individuals.
- An investigation into the use of wartime powers against asylum seekers and the restoration of legal protections.
WATCH THE CHILLING “60 MINUTES” EPISODE ON ANDRY HERNANDEZ ROMERO:
