Apple News In Conversation He’s a makeup artist seeking asylum. Why was he targeted by ICE?
11 snips
Apr 10, 2025 Jonathan Blitzer, a seasoned immigration staff writer for The New Yorker and author of 'Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here', sheds light on the troubling deportation of Venezuelan migrants. He highlights the harrowing journey of Andrew, a gay makeup artist, wrongfully detained for supposed gang affiliations. Blitzer critiques ICE's practices, revealing the lack of criminal records among deportees. The discussion exposes political silence amid community efforts to support those affected, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy in the face of injustice.
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Aggressive Deportations
- The Trump administration deported Venezuelan migrants without due process, claiming gang affiliations with little evidence.
- Jonathan Blitzer expresses alarm at the administration's aggressive immigration agenda and the muted political resistance.
Andre's Story
- Andrew José Hernández Romero, a Venezuelan asylum seeker, was deported to El Salvador.
- Despite a credible fear of persecution for being gay and openly critical of the Maduro regime, he was detained due to tattoos.
Disregard for Due Process
- Andrew had scheduled court hearings, but was deported without notice, highlighting the government's disregard for due process.
- The government's actions also bypassed the authority of immigration judges, raising further concerns.
