Bulwark Takes Andry Released To Venezuela From El Salvador
Jul 19, 2025
Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, and Lindsay Toczylowski, an immigration lawyer from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, illuminate the harrowing story of Andry José Hernández Romero's release after 125 days in a harsh El Salvador prison. They discuss the complexities of the recent prisoner swap and the emotional trauma faced by released detainees. The conversation also tackles the urgent issues in U.S. immigration policy, highlighting the need for humane reforms and advocating for the protection of vulnerable individuals caught in legal limbo.
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Andry's Release After Harsh Detention
- Venezuelan asylum seeker Andry José Hernández Romero was detained for 125 days in harsh conditions in El Salvador's Sikat prison.
- He was released via a prisoner swap and reunited with family, marking a significant though complex moment of relief.
Violation of Rights in Detention
- The Trump administration used the Alien Enemies Act to deny due process to detained Venezuelans and sent them to a torture prison.
- This exposed a dangerous erosion of constitutional and international legal protections for asylum seekers.
Human Cost of Prisoner Swaps
- The use of detainees as pawns in political prisoner swaps damages trust in the justice system.
- Andry's case shows how individuals locked away unjustly can be exploited for diplomatic bargaining.