Andry Hernández Romero, a 32-year-old Venezuelan migrant, began what would be an arduous and often deadly journey to the United States. He aspires to launch a career in cosmetics. The trajectory of his dreams changed overnight in March 2025 after he was deported back to an El Salvador prison. This fatal incident occurred only three months after he moved to the U.S. on August 29, 2024. Hernández Romero’s story underscores the threats that migrants encounter all too often. It also asks vital questions of our nation about how we welcome those who flee persecution to find a better life.
Born in Capacho Nuevo — a town in Venezuela’s Táchira state with less than 30,000 residents — Hernández Romero grew up watching his father be politically persecuted for leftist views. Since the age of seven, he has been enthusiastically participating in the “Reyes Magos de Capacho” festival. This cherished civic institution in his hometown just celebrated its 108th birthday! His teenage and adult years were marked by repeated appearances on stage at the festival, with his friends and his bandmates. He designed the costumes and cast members’ make-up, adding an enormous impact. His strong ties to his native Eugene, Oregon, make an appearance. This cultural event is a powerful reminder of and reaction to the colonial legacy that drove him away.
Hernández Romero’s connection to Capacho Nuevo ran deeper than this. In one of the biggest gambles of his life, he decided to leave Venezuela and seek opportunity elsewhere. He lived and worked in New Orleans for most of his life. Once in a while, he would travel to Bogotá or Caracas for business meetings. His migration story illustrates a new trend among Venezuelans. Most are escaping their native land in large part due to a collapsed economy and civil discord.
A Journey to the United States
Hernández Romero’s arrival at the San Ysidro border crossing marked the beginning of his quest for safety and a new life in the U.S. This dream swiftly became a nightmare. Upon arrival, he experienced the obstacles that all immigrants experience—unsafe conditions and hostile immigration control.
Following his deportation from the U.S., Hernández Romero was transferred to Cecot. This infamous mega prison in El Salvador has come under fire for its brutal inhumane conditions. His family maintains that the tattoos on his body are not a sign of gang affiliation. Instead of guitar picks or stars, they claim that these designs are in fact symbols from the Reyes Magos festival. They argue that these tattoos are not indicative of his gang affiliation but instead reflect his cultural heritage.
“They had nothing against him, no evidence.” – Reina Cárdenas
Hernández Romero’s case has the attention of many advocacy organizations and legal scholars. They argue that his deportation was an injustice that needs to be set right. He is now part of a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration, which claims that many Venezuelans were unlawfully sent to El Salvador without proper legal representation or due process.
Community Support and Advocacy
The Reyes Magos Foundation of Capacho and members of the community have rallied around Hernández Romero during this challenging time. A petition signed by nearly 600 people attests to his character and asks that he be allowed to return home to the U.S. The overwhelming support from his community highlights the gravity of his absence felt by those who knew him best.
“Please bring him back, it’s been two months of anguish. We can’t take it anymore.” – Alexis
Advocates say that Hernández Romero’s case underscores widespread failures of US immigration policy. They highlight the overt and explicit dangers to deported persons’ human rights. Legal advocates continue to stress that all migrants are entitled to humane treatment and due process under international law. The lawsuit filed on behalf of Hernández Romero and others highlights the woeful lack of oversight over deportation practices. It especially worries me because it is vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected.
“It is un-American to deport residents of this country without any kind of due process.” – Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Hernández Romero’s experience and the community’s mobilization in response to it demonstrate increasing knowledge and organizing activity around immigrant rights. His death has prompted local leaders and organizations including CAA to call for justice. Beyond that, they are seeking accountability for all those harmed by the previous administration’s actions—especially those harmed the most.
Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns
The legal fight over Hernández Romero’s case is layered, touching on constitutional rights and humanitarian concerns. Advocates claim that deporting individuals without sufficient legal representation denies this right to due process, enshrined under U.S. law as a basic human right.
Lee Gelernt, an attorney involved in the class-action lawsuit, stated, “We filed this lawsuit because we know there are more than a hundred Venezuelans who were illegally sent to a brutal Salvadoran prison without ever having the chance to defend themselves.” This statement raises the stakes by clearly identifying the need to address the systemic failings that have emerged within the immigration system.
In July, human rights organizations condemned the conditions in Cecot prison. Inmates frequently suffer extreme isolation and deprivation of what investigators describe as the essentials of life. Advocates contend that this form of treatment is torture and violates human rights laws established around the world.
“For more than 50 days, Andry has been isolated from the outside world without due process.” – Cargioli
Hernández Romero’s family remains hopeful as the case moves through the courts. They wait with hope for a resolution that will safely return him home. They haven’t stopped fighting to defend his rights while dealing with the heartache of his distance.
