Woman finds evidence of her deported husband’s survival in video, marking his only proof of life since his deportation.
Liyanara Sanchez, a Tampa resident, recently received a poignant video via WhatsApp from a friend in Chile that depicted a group of Venezuelan detainees inside a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Among them was her husband, Frengel Reyes, aged 24, who was captured on camera gesturing for help and shouting for freedom. This distressing video has become the sole indication of Reyes’ survival, as the incarcerated individuals lack access to legal counsel and communication with their families.
In the backdrop of a broader immigration crisis, the situation for many Venezuelans, including those in Florida, has escalated. Following the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to suspend a rule allowing the deportation of Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliations—a rule invoked under an archaic wartime legislation—scores of families remain in uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. Over 230 Venezuelans have reportedly been deported to El Salvador amid a flurry of detentions and executive orders initiated during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Turning to the Venezuelan consulate for support is not viable, as diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States ceased in 2019, severely limiting avenues for assistance from the Venezuelan government. In light of these challenges, a coalition of organizations recently filed a lawsuit with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, advocating for the immediate release of Venezuelans detained at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center. This facility, inaugurated in 2023, is designed to accommodate up to 40,000 inmates and has drawn scrutiny for its overcrowding and reported incidents of inhumane treatment.
Advocates highlight the dire conditions within the prison, where detainees face detention without charges or legal representation. Isabel Carlota Roby, a senior attorney at the nonprofit Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, has characterized the mass detentions as arbitrary and deeply troubling.
The video showing Reyes, made public by the far-right network One America News, was filmed during a visit by several U.S. legislators. Liyanara Sanchez, who first arrived in the U.S. with Reyes in December 2022, expressed her sorrow over the injustice her husband faces. Reyes, described as having no criminal record or gang affiliations, was detained during a routine immigration appointment and subsequently deported.
Community leaders caution that fear of repercussions may prevent families from seeking answers regarding the status of their loved ones. As advocacy groups urge affected families to remain vocal, legal experts stress the importance of pursuing legal avenues, despite the complex political landscape.
Sanchez hopes for her husband’s return and regularly shares her plight on social media, determined to bring attention to the situation. As she grapples with her family’s separation, she conveys a profound sense of despair, describing her experiences as a relentless nightmare.
