The Disappearance Tracker

A record of the illegal deportations and disappearing of dissents and others

This is a living document. I’m actively working to track updates on the individuals listed below using Google Alerts and other tools, but I can’t guarantee 100% accuracy. The information here has been pulled from a wide range of sources, which I’ve done my best to cite throughout.

There are many more names known to me, but these are the ones for which I’ve been able to find at least some supporting information—sometimes just a name, age, or occupation. Others include more detailed summaries.

This is an ongoing project, and my hope is that it can help us begin to keep track—not just of what’s happening, but of who it’s happening to.

If you have any new information about these individuals—or others who have been abducted, deported, or incarcerated without due process—please reach out via message or comment.

If you’re using this table or the short bios that follow as a source, please keep in mind: I’m just one person trying to piece together a bigger picture. This is not a formal investigation or a certified database. Use it thoughtfully, and consider it a starting point, not a final word.

Bookmark this page to check back for updates.

TIPS

1. On Desktop there will be a TOC on the left side of the screen for easy navigation. \

2. On the far right of the chart (you have to scroll) is a sortable column for most recent updates.

There is a full list of names published by CBS that I have yet to fully go through, I will be adding one or two a day as I have time and energy. For many of these folks there will be little to find out or update as they may not have strong family networks, lawyers or community that can raise their visibility.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh

(Source: Patriot Ledger)

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a 34-year-old nephrologist and kidney transplant specialist at Brown Medicine in Rhode Island, was deported from the United States in March 2025 after returning from a trip to her native Lebanon. Alawieh, who had worked and studied in the U.S. for six years and held a valid H-1B visa, was detained at Boston Logan International Airport. During the customs inspection, border officers reviewed her phone and found deleted photos of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She also admitted to attending Nasrallah’s funeral during her visit to Lebanon, stating that she respected his spiritual teachings but did not support his politics.

Based on these findings, officers determined that her “true intentions” in the U.S. could not be confirmed and canceled her visa on the spot. Though a federal judge issued a temporary 48-hour stay to block her deportation, CBP proceeded with her removal before the order could be enforced, later claiming they were unaware of the ruling at the time she was put on a plane. Alawieh’s legal team has since challenged the deportation, but under immigration law, CBP officers have sweeping authority at U.S. borders to deny entry and revoke visas, even overriding judicial orders in some cases. As of now, Dr. Alawieh remains in Lebanon while her lawyers seek legal recourse to challenge the deportation and clarify her immigration status.

Jhoan Bastidas

(Source: AP)

Jhoan Bastidas, a 25-year-old Venezuelan, left his hometown of Maracaibo in 2018 amid Venezuela's severe economic crisis. After residing in Peru and Colombia, he attempted to enter the United States in November 2023, seeking better opportunities. Upon reaching the U.S.-Mexico border, Bastidas surrendered to authorities and was detained in El Paso, Texas. In early February 2025, without prior notice, he was transferred to the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he spent 16 days in confinement. During his detention, Bastidas reported being held in a small cell, with limited access to sunlight and minimal recreational time. He and approximately 180 other Venezuelans were subsequently deported, first to Honduras and then to Venezuela. U.S. officials alleged that some of these individuals were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, though Bastidas has denied any affiliation, attributing the suspicion to his tattoos. Since his return to Maracaibo, Bastidas has begun working at a hot dog stand and is striving to rebuild his life in his homeland.

Jerce Reyes Barrios

(Source: NPR)

Jerce Reyes Barrios, a Venezuelan asylum-seeker, legally entered the United States in September 2024 and was awaiting an immigration hearing scheduled for April 17, 2025. Despite being in active asylum proceedings, he was abruptly detained and deported on March 15, 2025, under the Alien Enemies Act. The stated reasons for the his deportations seem to be his tattoos which are soccer related. Barrios is a professional soccer player with no criminal record in either country. Deportation occurred without prior notice to his family or attorney, raising serious concerns about the lack of due process. His family was only able to pinpoint his location and get more information after seeing a photo of him as one of the detainees. U.S. authorities confirmed he was sent to El Salvador, but since then, his family and legal team have lost contact with him. His current status and whereabouts remain unknown.

E.M.

(Source: Miami Herald)

​"E.M." is a Venezuelan national who, along with his girlfriend, sought refuge in the United States to escape persecution. They were granted refugee status, indicating legal entry into the country. Upon arrival in Houston on January 8, 2025, "E.M." was detained by ICE due to suspicions of gang affiliation, based on tattoos of a crown, a soccer ball, and a palm tree. Despite the refugee screening process confirming he had no criminal record in Venezuela or Colombia, and U.S. officials previously reviewing his tattoos without issue, he was held in custody. On March 15, 2025, "E.M." was deported to El Salvador and imprisoned in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security facility. His family was not informed of his deportation and only discovered his fate through media reports. Experts have noted that, unlike many gangs, Tren de Aragua members do not have specific, identifiable tattoos, raising concerns about the basis for "E.M."'s detention and deportation.

Andres Guillermo Morales

(Source: Reuters)

Andres Guillermo Morales is a 26-year-old dual citizen of Colombia and Venezuela who was legally residing in the U.S. with a valid work permit while his asylum case was pending. He was detained by ICE in early February 2025 during a raid in Denver, Colorado, and subsequently deported in mid-March under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act—a rarely used law invoked to expel alleged affiliates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

Morales had no criminal record in Colombia, Venezuela, or the United States. His wife, Deicy Aldana, and official Colombian documents confirm his clean record. ICE cited his tattoos—such as his parents’ names, a clock, a star with music notes, and a Bible verse—as suspicious, though experts and his wife insist they have no gang significance.

Morales was initially told he would be deported to Colombia but was instead secretly sent to El Salvador, where he is currently imprisoned in CECOT, the country’s controversial mega-prison. As of March 31, 2025, his exact condition inside the prison is unknown, and his family continues to fight for his release. There is no credible evidence linking him to any criminal activity.

Javier Garcia Casique

(Source: The Guardian)

Francisco Javier García Casique, a 24-year-old Venezuelan barber, entered the United States in December 2023 seeking asylum. On March 2, 2025, he was arrested by ICE agents. Believing he would be deported to Venezuela, García was instead transferred to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, and incarcerated in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison. ​

García has no criminal record in Venezuela or the United States. His family asserts that his tattoos, which include the word "peace" and the names of family members, are personal and not indicative of gang affiliation. They dispute the U.S. government's claims linking him to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

As of March 31, 2025, García remains detained in CECOT under harsh conditions. His family continues to advocate for his release, emphasizing his innocence and the lack of evidence supporting the allegations against him. ​

Andry Hernandez Romero

(Source: Forbes)

Andrys Cedeno-Gil, a 31-year-old Venezuelan makeup artist, entered the United States seeking asylum from persecution due to his sexual orientation and political dissent against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Despite having no criminal record or gang affiliations, Andrys was detained by ICE and subsequently deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. He is currently incarcerated in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison known for its harsh conditions. Legal representatives and human rights organizations are advocating for his release, highlighting the lack of due process and the misidentification that led to his deportation.

UPDATE 4/10/25

A USA Today investigation revealed that Charles Cross Jr., a discredited former Milwaukee police sergeant now working for private prison contractor CoreCivic, played a pivotal role in Romero's wrongful deportation. Cross misidentified Romero's tattoos—dedicated to his parents—as gang-related, leading to his deportation. Romero's attorney has expressed grave concerns for his safety, citing inhumane conditions and lack of judicial process.

Jose Franco Caraballo Tiapa

(Sources: CBS, ABC)

Franco José Caraballo Tiapa, a 26-year-old Venezuelan barber, entered the United States in 2023 seeking asylum from persecution in his home country. He consistently complied with ICE requirements, attending all scheduled check-ins. However, during a routine ICE appointment in Dallas, Texas, on February 3, 2025, Caraballo was unexpectedly detained. ​

Despite having no criminal record in Venezuela or the United States, U.S. authorities accused Caraballo of being a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, allegedly based on his tattoos. His wife, Johanny Sánchez, and legal representatives assert that his tattoos—a rose, a lion, a razor blade symbolizing his profession as a barber, and tributes to his daughter—are personal and unrelated to any gang affiliation.

On March 15, 2025, Caraballo was deported to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act and incarcerated in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison known for its harsh conditions. His family was not informed of his deportation and only discovered his whereabouts through media reports. ​

As of March 31, 2025, Caraballo remains detained in CECOT. His family and legal advocates continue to challenge the allegations against him, emphasizing the lack of evidence and due process in his case. ​

Badar Khan Suri

(Source: The Guardian)

Badar Khan Suri is an Indian national and postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University who was detained by ICE agents on March 17, 2025, outside his home in Arlington, Virginia. ICE officials informed him that his visa had been revoked, leading to his immediate arrest.

Suri holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Studies and had been conducting research on post-war reconstruction and peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He also taught a course on conflict resolution in South Asia.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleges that Suri promoted antisemitism and disseminated Hamas propaganda online. They also cite his family ties—he is married to Mapheze Saleh, a U.S. citizen of Palestinian descent and daughter of Ahmed Yousef, a former political adviser to Hamas—as a basis for national security concerns. However, Suri has no criminal record and has not been formally charged with any crime.

Legal representatives and civil rights advocates argue that Suri is being targeted for his associations and academic views rather than any proven wrongdoing. Georgetown University has publicly supported him, stating they are unaware of any misconduct and affirming their commitment to academic freedom.

On March 20, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles issued an order blocking Suri’s deportation until further notice. As of March 31, 2025, Suri remains in ICE custody in Louisiana, separated from his wife and their three children.

Mahmoud Khalil

Mahmoud Khalil is a 30-year-old legal U.S. resident (Green Card) born in Syria and a graduate student at Columbia University. On March 8, 2025, he was detained by ICE agents at his apartment in Manhattan. Khalil was well known on campus for organizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Khalil led activities aligned with Hamas (which nowadays is anything anti-isreal), though he has not been formally charged with any crime. He was transferred to LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana. His wife, Noor Abdallah, a U.S. citizen, is currently pregnant with their first child.

On March 10, a federal judge issued an order blocking Khalil’s deportation while his legal case proceeds. As of March 31, 2025, he remains in ICE custody. Legal experts and civil liberties advocates argue his detention is based on protected political speech and association rather than evidence of criminal behavior. His legal team has challenged the government’s claims, and a federal court recently rejected the administration’s attempt to dismiss his case.

Khalil’s detention has sparked widespread protests and condemnation from academic institutions and human rights groups. Columbia University alumni have publicly destroyed their diplomas in solidarity, and civil rights organizations continue to push for his release.

UPDATE 4/11/25

A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that the Trump administration can move forward with the deportation of Columbia graduate student and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil. The decision rests on a Cold War-era provision of immigration law that gives the Secretary of State unilateral authority to deem any noncitizen a threat to U.S. foreign policy, regardless of whether their beliefs or associations are lawful. The judge did not weigh in on the ethics or constitutionality of this power, only affirming that Marco Rubio, in his current role, is legally permitted to invoke it. Khalil’s legal team condemned the process as a sham and is continuing to fight his removal in federal court, where a separate injunction temporarily blocks deportation.

Widmer Josneyder Agelviz Sanguino

(Source: CBS)

Widmer Josneyder Agelviz Sanguino, a Venezuelan national, was among the 238 Venezuelan men deported by the U.S. government to El Salvador on March 15, 2025. The U.S. authorities accused these individuals of being affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Upon arrival in El Salvador, Agelviz Sanguino and the other deportees were taken into custody by Salvadoran authorities and incarcerated in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison. As of March 31, 2025, there is limited publicly available information regarding Agelviz Sanguino's personal background, legal status prior to deportation, or any specific allegations against him beyond the general claims of gang affiliation. Family members and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the lack of due process and transparency in these deportations, with some families only discovering their relatives' deportation through media reports. Efforts to gather more information about the individuals deported to El Salvador are ongoing.​

Nolberto Rafael Aguilar Rodríguez

(Source: LA Times)

Nolberto Rafael Aguilar Rodríguez, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national, was deported from the United States to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, as part of a group of 238 Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of being affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. ​

Prior to his deportation, Aguilar Rodríguez had documented his migration journey from South America to the United States on TikTok, amassing over 40,000 followers. His sister, Jennifer Aguilar, described him as a hardworking family man who fled Venezuela due to economic hardships. She emphasized that he has no criminal record in Venezuela or Colombia, where he had previously resided. ​

U.S. authorities cited Aguilar Rodríguez's tattoos, which include images of playing cards and dice, as indicators of gang affiliation. However, his sister explained that he got these tattoos to cover a scar from an accident at age 16 and that they have no connection to any criminal organization. ​

As of March 31, 2025, Aguilar Rodríguez remains incarcerated in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison known for its harsh conditions. Family members and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release, asserting his innocence and highlighting the lack of due process in his deportation.​

Gustavo Adolfo Aguilera Agüero

(Source: Defector.com)

Gustavo Adolfo Aguilera Agüero, a 27-year-old Venezuelan national, entered the United States in December 2023 with his wife and their nine-month-old U.S.-born son, settling in Dallas, Texas. He secured employment installing water pipes on rooftops to support his family.

In early February 2025, while taking out the trash at his residence, Aguilera Agüero was detained by ICE agents. His family asserts that authorities were seeking another individual at the time.

During his detention, U.S. authorities alleged that Aguilera Agüero was affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, citing his tattoos as evidence. These tattoos include a crown with his son's name, a star with his and his mother's names, and the phrase "Real Hasta La Muerte" ("Real Until Death")—a lyric popularized by reggaeton artist Anuel AA. His family contends that these tattoos are personal and not indicative of gang membership.

On March 15, 2025, Aguilera Agüero was deported to El Salvador along with 237 other Venezuelan men accused of gang affiliations. Upon arrival, they were incarcerated in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison known for its stringent conditions.

As of March 31, 2025, Aguilera Agüero remains detained in CECOT. His family and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release, emphasizing his lack of a criminal record and the absence of concrete evidence supporting the allegations against him.

Henrry Albornoz-Quintero

(Source: factcheck.org)

Henrry Albornoz-Quintero, a Venezuelan national, was detained by ICE agents in January 2025 during a routine check-in. Subsequently, he was deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, among a group of 238 Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of being affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. ​

Albornoz-Quintero's wife, Nays, who is nine months pregnant, was unaware of his deportation until she recognized him in photographs released by the Salvadoran government, depicting detainees in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. ​

As of March 31, 2025, Albornoz-Quintero remains incarcerated in CECOT. His family and human rights organizations are advocating for his release, asserting his lack of criminal history and the absence of evidence supporting the allegations against him.​

Neri Alvarado Borges

(Source: The Guardian)

Neri José Alvarado Borges, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, was detained by ICE agents in Texas in February 2025. He was subsequently deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, along with 237 other Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang.

Alvarado Borges had been residing in Lewisville, Texas, and was working to support his family. He had three tattoos: one featuring the name of his younger brother, Neryelson, accompanied by a rainbow-colored autism awareness ribbon; another reading "Family"; and a third saying "Brothers." These tattoos were personal tributes, with no connections to any criminal organization.

Despite explaining the significance of his tattoos to ICE agents, Alvarado Borges was detained and later deported. His family was unaware of his deportation until they recognized his name on a list of individuals sent to El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison.

As of March 31, 2025, Alvarado Borges remains incarcerated in CECOT. His family and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release, emphasizing his lack of criminal history and the personal nature of his tattoos.​

Jinder Angulo-Aparicio

(Source: El diairo ny)

Jinder Moisés Angulo-Aparicio, a 20-year-old Venezuelan national, was deported from the United States to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, as part of a group of 238 Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of being affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. ​

Prior to his deportation, Angulo-Aparicio was residing in the United States. In November 2023, he was arrested in Chicago, Illinois, along with another Venezuelan national, Lenguieyer Guevara Muro, on charges of retail theft. The two men were accused of stealing merchandise valued at $770 from a store, concealing the items in a bag lined with aluminum foil to evade security sensors. Angulo-Aparicio was apprehended without incident upon exiting the store. ​

Specific details about Angulo-Aparicio's immigration status in the United States prior to his deportation are not publicly available. As of March 31, 2025, he remains incarcerated in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison. Family members and human rights organizations continue to advocate for the release of the deported individuals, asserting that many have no ties to criminal organizations and were denied due process.​

José Aray-Cardona

(Source: CBS)

José Aray-Cardona, a Venezuelan national, was deported from the United States to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, as part of a group of 238 Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of being affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. ​CBS News

Specific details about Aray-Cardona's personal background, immigration status in the United States, or any evidence supporting the allegations against him are not publicly available. As of March 31, 2025, he remains incarcerated in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison.

Rumeysa Ozturk

(Source: CNN)

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was detained by federal officers in Massachusetts as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants supporting Palestinian causes. Despite her lawyer's efforts, Ozturk was quickly moved to an ICE detention center in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security claimed she supported Hamas but did not provide evidence. Friends and colleagues assert that Ozturk had limited involvement in activism, mainly co-authoring an op-ed urging Tufts to cut ties with Israel.

As of March 30, 2025, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, remains detained at an ICE facility in Louisiana. Her detention has sparked legal challenges and public outcry. A federal judge has issued an order preventing her deportation without court approval, and her legal team, supported by the ACLU, is advocating for her release, arguing that her detention violates constitutional rights to free speech and due process. ​

UPDATE 4/10/25

She reports experiencing multiple asthma attacks due to unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Öztürk alleges delays in receiving medical care, denial of fresh air, and the forcible removal of her hijab by a nurse. Her attorneys have petitioned for her release or transfer to a facility in Vermont, emphasizing her deteriorating health.

UPDATE 4/18/25

She has been denied bond, despite having no accusations or charges levied.

UPDATE 4/19/25

Judge orders Öztürk be returned back to Vermont.

UPDATE 5/9/25

It turns out that it is, in fact, quite illegal to send masked, heavily armed enforcers to abduct someone for writing an op-ed. After 6 weeks in detention, a judge has ordered that Öztürk be released immediately. So far she is still detained.

UPDATE 5/10/25

Öztürk has been released after 6 weeks in illegal detention.

Neri Jose Alvarado Borges

(Source: The Guardian)

Neri José Alvarado Borges, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national, was residing in Lewisville, Texas, before his detention by ICE agents in February 2025. He was subsequently deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, along with 237 other Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang. ​

Alvarado Borges had three tattoos: one featuring the name of his younger brother, Neryelson, accompanied by a rainbow-colored autism awareness ribbon; another reading "Family"; and a third saying "Brothers." These tattoos were personal tributes, with no connections to any criminal organization. ​

Despite explaining the significance of his tattoos to ICE agents, Alvarado Borges was detained and later deported. His family was unaware of his deportation until they recognized his name on a list of individuals sent to El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison.

As of March 31, 2025, Alvarado Borges remains incarcerated in CECOT. His family and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release, emphasizing his lack of criminal history and the personal nature of his tattoos.​

Eduardo Nunez Gonzales

Sources: CiberCuba, NPR,

Eduardo Nunez Gonzalez, a Cuban national with Spanish citizenship, was detained by ICE agents on March 20, 2025, while taking out the trash at his North Miami home. Surveillance footage captured the moment of his arrest. ​

Following his detention, Nunez Gonzalez was initially held at the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami-Dade County. He was later transferred to the Torrance County Detention Center in New Mexico. ​

Nunez Gonzalez has no criminal record in either Cuba or the United States. His wife, Vilma Perez Delgado, a U.S. citizen, has stated that they have been attempting to regularize his immigration status for years but have faced bureaucratic obstacles, including lost paperwork and administrative delays

As of March 30, 2025, Nunez Gonzalez remains in ICE custody in New Mexico. His family continues to seek answers regarding the reasons for his detention and is advocating for his release.

Jhon Chacin

Jhon Chacín, a 35-year-old Venezuelan tattoo artist, was detained by ICE in October 2024 after crossing the Mexican border without authorization. He applied for asylum in the United States, but his application was denied. Subsequently, Chacín agreed to voluntary deportation to Venezuela. However, due to adverse weather conditions, his scheduled flight was postponed. During this delay, U.S. authorities included him in a group of 238 Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, under allegations of affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang.

Chacín's body features various tattoos, including images of a flower, a watch, an owl, skulls, and the names of family members. As a professional tattoo artist, these designs are part of his personal and artistic expression. Despite lacking any criminal record, U.S. authorities cited his tattoos as indicators of gang affiliation.

As of March 31, 2025, Chacín remains incarcerated in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison. His family and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release, emphasizing his lack of criminal history and the misinterpretation of his tattoos.​

Harlem Family

(Source: Dustin West)

In March 2025, reports emerged of a family being forcibly taken from Harlem by individuals believed to be ICE agents. Eyewitness accounts describe masked individuals refusing to identify themselves or produce a warrant, leading to concerns about the legality and transparency of the operation. One witness recounted attempting to intervene during the incident, stating that the agents "literally snatched a family walking their kids home... off the street." ​

This event occurred amid a broader surge in immigration enforcement actions in New York City, with at least 100 individuals detained by ICE in early March 2025. ​

As of now, detailed information about the family's identity, legal status, and current whereabouts remains limited. Community members and human rights organizations are actively seeking further details and advocating for transparency and due process in such enforcement actions.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia

(Source: Wikipedia)

Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national residing in Maryland, was deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, due to an acknowledged administrative error by ICE. Despite holding legal protection against deportation since 2019, Abrego Garcia was mistakenly removed and subsequently imprisoned in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security facility.

Abrego Garcia fled El Salvador at the age of 16 to escape gang violence, settling in Maryland where he lived with his U.S.-citizen wife and their disabled child. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him "withholding of removal" status, recognizing the credible threat he faced if returned to El Salvador. Despite this protection, ICE detained and deported him, citing alleged gang affiliations, a claim his attorneys contest, noting the lack of evidence and his clean criminal record.

Following his deportation, Abrego Garcia's legal representatives filed a lawsuit against U.S. officials, seeking his return and cessation of payments to El Salvador for detainee housing. The Trump administration, while admitting the deportation was an oversight, argues that U.S. courts lack jurisdiction to mandate his return, as he is now under Salvadoran custody. ​

As of April 1, 2025, Abrego Garcia remains incarcerated in CECOT. His family, legal team, and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release and return to the United States, emphasizing the procedural failures and humanitarian concerns surrounding his case. ​

UPDATE 4/10/25

The U.S. Supreme Court has mandated that the Trump administration facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident with legal protection against deportation since 2019, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025. Despite the administration's claim that U.S. courts lack jurisdiction over foreign custody matters, the Supreme Court emphasized the government's obligation to act as if the deportation never occurred. Abrego Garcia remains incarcerated in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison, with ongoing efforts to secure his return.

UPDATE 4/11/25

As of today, there is no verified evidence of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s current location. Despite court orders and repeated inquiries from Judge Paula Xinis, the Justice Department has failed to produce any documentation or testimony identifying where Garcia is being held or even confirming that he remains in Salvadoran custody.

UPDATE 4/12/25

The state department has confirmed that Garcia is still alive and imprisoned at CECOT

UPDATE 4/16/25

Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident deported under the Trump administration despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating his return. The Salvadoran government denied Van Hollen access to Garcia, stating that the U.S. is paying them to keep him incarcerated. Garcia has no criminal record in either country and was granted a protective order in 2019 to continue living in the U.S. Despite this, he remains imprisoned in a notorious facility in El Salvador. ​This is the same man that nearly the entire Trump cabinet is working overtime to lie their asses off about. Is he actually dead? Has such horrible things happened to him that he cannot possibly be allowed to speak to anyone again. ever? Perhaps we will never know.

UPDATE 4/17/25

I hope I’m wrong. But I’m updating Abrego’s status to ‘presumed dead’. It seems likely in that they refuse to provide proof of life. And while they parade all of these hardened dangerous criminals out in en masse for photo op after photo op, they seem reluctant to show or prove Abregos status as alive. Even while constantly referring to him as ‘one of the top MS-13 gang leaders’. Which is a ridiculous claim on it’s own. There is not a single MS-13 member without those large gaudy MS-13 tattoos and the actual top ‘leader guys’ would have even more. And if he had MS-13 tattoos, they would be plastering those pictures everywhere. My thought is that they are working overtime to dehumanize him as much as possible so that when it comes out that the is dead, they hope no one will care. They are wrong.

UPDATE 4/18/25

Abrego Garcia has been confirmed alive! Senator Chris Van Hollen was able to meet with him after extended delays and roadblocks. The meeting took place in a nice looking restaurant and Abrego Garcia was dressed in street clothes and looked healthy. Awaiting a full update from the Senator when he returns. However, it can be expected that anything he said was said under duress and threat of even worse treatment if the Senator came back with damning information. I bears repeating that the most damning of evidence is in plain sight and that is that he and hundreds of others were deported and locked away forever without any due process or proof of accusations.

UPDATE 4/18/25

President Bukele has confirmed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been transferred out of CECOT and relocated to a facility “in Santa Ana” with “better conditions.” No specific location was given.

Santa Ana refers to the ‘department’, not just the city, broadening the possibilities. There are three main detention sites in the region:

• Apanteos Prison: a large, traditional facility housing both pretrial and convicted inmates.

• Western Penitentiary: a standard prison for sentenced individuals.

• Santa Ana Penal Industrial Farm: an open-air, low-security site reserved for inmates in the “confidence phase,” known for agricultural labor and looser restrictions.

Given the language about “better conditions” and the fact that Abrego is not on trial or set to have a trial or convicted in El Salvador, the Penal Farm is the most likely destination, though this remains unconfirmed. I’m also not 100% that these are the only 3 options.

UPDATE 6/7/25

Kilmar Ábrego García has been returned to the United States and is currently in federal custody. His return was not part of any reversal or review of the deportation that occurred despite an active judicial stay, but rather to face federal charges.

There has been no public explanation from ICE or DHS regarding how the removal was authorized or carried out under court protection. No internal investigation has been announced.

At this time, related court proceedings appear to be sealed. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Wilson Martell-Lebron

(Source: The Independent)

Wilson Martell-Lebron, a 52-year-old Dominican national residing in Saugus, Massachusetts, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 27, 2025, outside the Boston Municipal Court during his ongoing trial for allegedly providing false information on a driver's license application. The plainclothes ICE agents apprehended him without prior notification to the court, leading to significant legal repercussions.

In response to the arrest, Judge Mark Summerville held ICE agent Brian Sullivan in contempt, stating that the action deprived Martell-Lebron of his rights to due process and a fair trial. Consequently, the judge dismissed the charges against Martell-Lebron and referred the contempt case to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden for further review.

As of April 1, 2025, Martell-Lebron remains in ICE custody at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility. His legal representatives are advocating for his release, emphasizing the violation of his constitutional rights during the arrest. ​

Anonymous Sackets NY Family

(Source: NPR)

In late March 2025, a mother and her three children, students in grades 3, 10, and 11 at Sackets Harbor Central School, were detained by ICE agents during a raid at North Harbor Dairy in Hounsfield, near Sackets Harbor, New York. The family was quickly transported over 2,000 miles away to the Karnes County Detention Facility in Texas.

The school district and local residents were blindsided. Superintendent Jennifer Gaffney publicly stated that the children were beloved members of the school community: “These kids are classmates, they are good friends, they are wonderful students, and they just need to be returned to their classrooms.”

Advocates say the family had no criminal record and was complying with all required immigration proceedings. Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, called the incident “a disgrace to our values and to humanity,” accusing ICE of violating due process and family integrity. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the detainment, calling the operation “just plain cruel” and demanding the family’s immediate return.

In response, local residents and community leaders organized a rally on April 5 to demand the release and return of the family to Sackets Harbor. As of April 6, 2025, the mother and her three children remain detained in Texas. Efforts by attorneys, advocacy groups, and elected officials are ongoing.

Jesús Alberto Ríos Andrade

(Source: elfaro)

Jesús Alberto Ríos Andrade, a Venezuelan national, was detained by ICE agents in early 2025 while seeking asylum in the United States. Following his detention, Ríos Andrade was deported to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, as part of a group of 238 Venezuelan men accused by U.S. authorities of affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang. Upon arrival, he was incarcerated in El Salvador's Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), a maximum-security prison. ​

Ríos Andrade's wife, Angie González, a U.S. citizen, has expressed profound distress over her husband's situation. She maintains that he was actively pursuing legal avenues to remain in the U.S., including plans to process residency while awaiting in Colombia. González has voiced concerns about the lack of communication and information regarding her husband's condition and whereabouts since his deportation. ​

As of April 7, 2025, Ríos Andrade remains incarcerated in CECOT. His family and human rights organizations continue to advocate for his release, emphasizing his lack of criminal history and the circumstances surrounding his deportation.​

Elsy Noemi Berrios

a 51-year-old Salvadoran national seeking asylum in the United States, was forcibly detained by ICE agents on March 31, 2025, in Westminster, Maryland. The arrest occurred during a traffic stop while Berrios was en route to work with her 18-year-old daughter, who recorded the incident. In the footage, ICE agents are seen breaking the driver's side window of Berrios's vehicle and removing her without presenting an arrest warrant, despite her repeated requests to see one.

ICE officials allege that Berrios is an illegal alien and a known affiliate of the MS-13 gang. They state that she was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on January 26, 2017, after illegally entering the country, and was subsequently released under the ICE Alternatives to Detention program. ​

Berrios's attorney, Anna Tijerina, refutes these claims, asserting that her client has no criminal history and is not associated with any gang activity. Tijerina emphasizes that Berrios has been a law-abiding resident of Maryland, maintaining steady employment for over six years, and possesses a valid work permit. ​

As of April 9, 2025, Berrios remains detained at an ICE facility in Pennsylvania, awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for April 14. Her family and legal representatives continue to advocate for her release, highlighting concerns about due process and the manner of her arrest. ​

Mohsen Mahdawi

Palestinian student and green card holder, detained April 14, 2025 at his final citizenship interview in Vermont. No charges filed. Arrest linked to past pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia, where he co-founded the Palestinian Student Union. DHS is attempting to revoke his green card under the foreign policy clause of the INA, citing national interest. A federal judge has issued a restraining order barring removal from Vermont. ICE confirmed he remains in custody locally, but risk of transfer or unlawful deportation remains high.

UPDATE: 4/30/25

Mohsen Mahdawi was released from ICE custody on April 30, but he is not free. He’s out on bail, still facing deportation under a vague statute that lets DHS target speech they claim threatens U.S. foreign policy. No crime was charged. No evidence was tested. He was seized mid-naturalization interview and held for weeks until a federal judge stepped in and ordered his release, warning that the government’s logic could chill free expression nationwide.

This isn’t due process. It’s administrative punishment dressed up like law. The judge ruled on custody, not the case. ICE is still pushing for removal. Mahdawi is allowed to live in Vermont and travel to New York for school and court. His legal fight continues.

Two other students (Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk) remain detained under similar pretexts.

9 Unnamed Criminals

A group of 11 individuals was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador over the weekend, reportedly including 7 alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, 1 alleged MS-13 member, and 3 others with prior convictions for violent or sexual crimes. Only two names have been made public: Daniel Alexander Fernandez-Rodriguez, accused of multiple thefts and gang ties, and Jose Santos Robles, convicted in 2016 of raping a minor. The deportations were timed to coincide with Trump’s White House meeting with President Bukele and were framed as part of a broader alliance on “hemispheric security.” No confirmation has been provided as to whether the deportees received individual hearings or legal representation prior to removal. All are now held at CECOT.

Daniel Alexander Fernandez-Rodriguez

Venezuelan national and alleged member of Tren de Aragua. First arrested in New York for grand larceny and robbery, later detained in Illinois for burglary and obstruction of justice. Deported to El Salvador on April 13, 2025, as part of a group transfer to CECOT. No record of trial or formal designation under terrorist statutes; presumed deported based on gang affiliation claims.

Jose Santos Robles

Convicted in New York in 2016 for third-degree rape of a 15-year-old. Served probation—no known gang ties or additional criminal charges since. Despite completing his sentence, Robles was deported to El Salvador on April 13, 2025, under the current administration’s foreign criminal expulsion program. His name was released publicly without indication of a recent hearing or right to appeal.

Arnuel Marquez Colmenarez

Arnuel Marquez Colmenarez was arrested by ATF agents at a courthouse in Nashua, New Hampshire, just minutes before his naturalization ceremony. He is now detained at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Texas. This incident indicates an expansion of immigration enforcement powers to agencies like the ATF, raising concerns about the targeting of individuals during critical moments in their immigration process.

Edicson David Quintero Chacón

Edicson David Quintero Chacón, a Venezuelan national, was deported to El Salvador and detained in a maximum-security prison. His family reports that he has no criminal record and was likely targeted due to his tattoos, which authorities may have associated with gang affiliation. Quintero Chacón has not communicated with his family since his detention, and concerns about his well-being are growing. ​

Kseniia Petrova

a 30-year-old Russian biomedical researcher at Harvard Medical School, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since February 16, 2025. Her detention occurred at Boston Logan International Airport upon her return from France, where she had collected frog embryo samples for her lab. While the importation of these samples was legal, Petrova failed to properly declare them on her customs form, a violation typically resulting in a fine. Instead, her J-1 visa was revoked, and she was taken into custody. ​

Petrova is currently held at the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana. She fears deportation to Russia due to her past anti-war activism, including protests against the invasion of Ukraine and calls for President Putin's resignation, which previously led to her arrest in Russia.

Colleagues at Harvard describe Petrova as indispensable to their research, particularly in analyzing data from advanced microscopy used in cancer and aging studies. Her supervisor, Dr. Leon Peshkin, acknowledged that he had asked her to bring the samples from France, noting that similar materials had previously failed to arrive intact when shipped.

Legal efforts are underway to secure her release and challenge the visa revocation. Her attorney, Gregory Romanovsky, argues that the punishment was disproportionate and that standard procedures were not followed. A habeas corpus petition is scheduled for a hearing on June 9, and an asylum hearing is set for May 7. ​

Supporters have raised funds for her legal expenses and living costs during detention. The case has sparked broader concerns about the treatment of international researchers and the potential effect on scientific collaboration.

UPDATE 6/2/25

Federal prosecutors have charged Petrova with smuggling, a felony carrying up to 20 years. The charges stem from her failure to declare the frog embryos on her customs form. A federal judge has already ruled her immigration detention unlawful, finding the visa revocation legally unsupported. Despite this, she remains in U.S. Marshals custody in Massachusetts pending a criminal bail hearing. Her legal team is challenging the severity of the charges, arguing the case would normally warrant only a fine. Asylum proceedings are ongoing. Harvard has not issued a statement.

Yamal Said

Yamal Said, drummer for Austin-based band Lord Buffalo, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on May 12, 2025, while en route to a European tour. Said, a Mexican citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident, was reportedly removed from the flight due to an outstanding arrest warrant in Llano County and is currently held at the Tarrant County Corrections Center. The band has been The band has canceled their tour to focus on securing his release. Said, a longtime Austin resident and music instructor, has been a prominent figure in the local music scene.

Daniel Lozano-Camargo

Daniel Lozano-Camargo, a 20-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, was deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite being protected under a 2024 federal court settlement that barred the removal of unaccompanied minors with pending asylum claims. His deportation, carried out under the Alien Enemies Act, led to his incarceration at El Salvador’s CECOT prison, known for its severe conditions and lack of due process. The U.S. government justified the deportation by alleging gang affiliations, claims his family disputes. A federal judge ordered his return, a decision upheld by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which criticized the government's actions as a "contrivance" to circumvent legal obligations.

Widmer Josneyder Agelviz Sanguino

A 24-year-old Venezuelan refugee, was deported from Houston to El Salvador in March 2025, despite having no criminal record and pending asylum proceedings. Agelviz entered the U.S. legally in September 2024 with refugee status approval. He was detained at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport after a Customs and Border Protection officer flagged his tattoos as gang-related. Although he explained the tattoos' cultural significance and passed a background check, he was held in ICE custody for months. Just weeks before his asylum hearing, he was deported under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a wartime law rarely used in peacetime. Agelviz was sent to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a maximum-security prison known for harsh conditions and lack of due process. Since his deportation, his family and attorney have had no contact with him. A Houston federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to locate Agelviz, reestablish communication, and report compliance steps, but as of now, his whereabouts and condition remain unknown.

Kasper Juul Eriksen

Danish national. Legal U.S. resident since 2013. Lives in Sturgis, Mississippi with his wife and four children, with a fifth child due in August. Detained by ICE on April 15, 2025, during his naturalization interview in Memphis. ICE cited a “paperwork miscommunication” from 2015 related to the removal of residency conditions—a detail never raised in prior interviews or application reviews. Kasper had no prior notice of a problem. He is being held at LaSalle Detention Center in Louisiana. No court date has been set. His wife Savannah is homeschooling their children while petitioning for his release.

Ramon Morales Reyes

Arrested by ICE on May 21, 2025, in Milwaukee, after a handwritten English-language letter threatening Trump was received at a local field office. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem publicly took credit, calling him “in the country illegally” and promising swift deportation. Morales Reyes is a 54-year-old Mexican national with no formal education, no English fluency, and no literacy in any language. Attorneys say he was framed. He was set to testify in an assault case involving a man who beat and robbed him in 2023. Handwriting experts have since ruled out him as the author of the letter. Local police are investigating the case as identity theft and retaliation. He remains in ICE custody at Dodge County Jail. No charges have been filed. DHS has not retracted its public claims. Morales Reyes had a pending U visa application at the time of his arrest.