Finding Solace in Community: Families of Venezuelan Detainees Lean on Each Other

In a WhatsApp group chat on May 18, a grim announcement was made: Marlene Ramirez, the grandmother of a detainee named Jonathan Mendoza Ramirez, had passed away. Her relatives claimed it was due to a heart attack, induced by the distress of not being able to reach her imprisoned grandson.

Building a Supportive Network

Since March, when a group of Venezuelan migrants were sent to El Salvador’s extensive prison facilities on allegations of gang affiliations, a virtual gathering of relatives, mostly mothers, has formed. This community gains members as more learn about the location of their loved ones, often through videos released by El Salvador's president, showing their sons bound and forced to comply with prison entry routines.

Jetzy Arteaga, who established this group, confesses she avoids these videos to prevent severe depression. Her son, Carlos Cañizalez Arteaga, was moved to El Salvador in March. On days shadowed by distressing images, she admits to seeking comfort in conversations with other mothers.

A Circle of Support

Arteaga describes how the group operates: assisting each other with tasks like grocery shopping or school pick-ups when one of the mothers is overwhelmed. She emphasizes the shared experience and understanding that today’s helper may need tomorrow’s aid.

The group chat became a necessity for Arteaga as she awaited, in disbelief, clarification from U.S. authorities on her son’s status, hoping they would recognize their error.

Continuing the Fight for Freedom

Despite documentation proving Carlos was not involved in any Venezuelan gangs, his release remains elusive. The group now encompasses relatives of 170 detained Venezuelan migrants.

Regularly, group members check the chat for new information and draft messages for collective prayers. Analia Burbano, whose nephew Victor Andres Ortega Burbano is detained, admits to using social media to search for signs or updates about his condition.

Burbano steps forward in place of her nephew's mother, who is too emotionally drained to speak. The arrest shocked his family, given Ortega was legally safeguarded under Temporary Protected Status until April 2024.

Advocacy and Hope

Family members conduct trips to urge Venezuelan officials to press for the men's return. They strategize protests and plan media engagements to highlight their plight.

Anyi Yohana Casares Jimenez recalls the last conversation with her son, Jason Alfredo Silva Casares, who pleaded for evidence of his innocence. With no further contacts following his detainment, she embraces social media posts for any glimpse of his current state.

Despite tattoos that draw undue suspicion, these mothers defend their sons as non-gang members. Arteaga speaks of her past disagreements over her son's tattoo, which now tragically plays against him.

Holding Onto Hope

Although the fourth-month mark since these men were removed to El Salvador approaches, deportations persist under terms to expel 'the worst.' Families cling to faith, yearning for an end to their ordeal.