7am How Trump's mass deportations targeted men with tattoos
Apr 6, 2025
Noah Lanard, a journalist from Mother Jones, shines a light on the harrowing realities faced by Venezuelan migrants deported under Trump’s administration. He uncovers how ordinary men, marked by tattoos, were unfairly deemed gang members and targeted. The discussion reveals the inhumane conditions of Salvadoran prisons, the emotional turmoil of families searching for loved ones, and the chilling propaganda that fueled mass deportations. Lanard's insights expose the detrimental impact of immigration policies on vulnerable communities and their fight for dignity.
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Neri's Story
- Neri Alvarado Borges, a 25-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, was detained by ICE.
- Despite showing ICE agents tattoos related to his autistic brother and family, he was deported to El Salvador, accused of gang affiliation.
Tattoos as Targets
- Families of detainees reported their relatives had tattoos, which they believe led to their detainment.
- There was no real evidence suggesting gang affiliation among those deported.
Deportation Process
- Venezuelans deported to El Salvador were not informed of their destination or afforded due process.
- Many had pending immigration cases in the US, leaving their legal representation in disarray.