Deportation of Venezuelan Men Due to Tattoos Sparks Legal Concerns
Lawyers claim that common tattoos led to the deportation of around 200 Venezuelan men, incorrectly identified as gang members of Tren de Aragua, under President Trump’s wartime law. The defense suggests that tattoos have been mischaracterized and that no substantive evidence links these individuals to criminal activity.
Lawyers are expressing concerns over the recent deportation of approximately 200 Venezuelan men, asserting that everyday tattoos, such as a crown over a soccer ball and floral designs, led to their classification as gang members of the Tren de Aragua. These deportations were ordered by President Donald Trump under an 18th century wartime law that permits the removal of noncitizens without due process, citing the gang’s impact as an “invasion” of the United States.
Defense attorneys have criticized this assertion, emphasizing that the government has failed to present sufficient evidence linking these individuals to gang affiliation. Notably, the deportees were removed from the United States before having the opportunity to consult with their legal representatives. It is well-recognized that tattoos can signify membership in various Latin American gangs; however, experts argue they are often simply personal body art, with no gang relevance.
Some symbols, like a crown tattoo, might suggest association with groups such as Tren de Aragua or the Latin Kings gang. Nonetheless, research indicates there exists an array of crown tattoo designs that serve as decorative art rather than gang insignia. Furthermore, individuals such as Karla Ostolaza, managing director at The Bronx Defenders, highlight how tattoos are misinterpreted as indicators of criminality exclusively when worn by certain ethnicities.
Although U.S. officials maintain that tattoos were not the sole basis for identifying gang members, both lawyers and family members indicate that tattoos were frequently cited as evidence of affiliation with Tren de Aragua. For instance, a Venezuelan man, referred to only as J.G.G., stated that his tattoos were identified as gang symbols based on a casual online search that he initiated. Additionally, Jerce Reyes Barrios, a former professional soccer player, faced similar identification due to his tattoo, which was inspired by his favorite soccer club, Real Madrid, rather than any gang ties.
The deportation of Venezuelan men based on everyday tattoos raises significant legal and ethical concerns. Defense attorneys argue that these men were wrongfully identified as gang members without proper evidence and were deprived of legal counsel. The case highlights the misinterpretation of tattoos as symbols of criminal affiliation within marginalized communities, calling into question the validity of such deportations under wartime law.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
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