“Challenging Journey into an Uncertain Future”
By Oliver Griffin
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombian migrants who were deported from the United States during the early days of President Donald Trump’s administration have shared stories of degrading treatment. Despite their experiences, some express a desire to attempt to return to the United States.
Daniel Vasquez, aged 40, was under the impression that he would be quickly released after being apprehended by U.S. immigration authorities following his crossing of the Mexican border in January. Having paid a group of human smugglers, or “coyotes,” $500 for assistance in making the crossing, Vasquez was led to believe that detentions would only last a few hours. However, he found himself detained for more than a week at immigration facilities in San Diego, California, and Laredo, Texas, describing the ordeal as an emotional roller coaster.
Vasquez recounted cramped conditions in San Diego with bright lights disrupting his sleep. He was then transferred to Laredo, where he spent four days before being returned to San Diego and eventually flown back to Colombia. Each time he was transported in restraints, a situation which he described as strange, depressing, and degrading.
The use of chains and handcuffs to restrain migrants during transit has been a longstanding practice by U.S. officials. However, since Trump’s inauguration, complaints of inhumane treatment on deportation flights have been raised by both the Brazilian and Colombian governments. Vasquez mentioned witnessing women being forced to urinate in their seats during his deportation flight.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro intervened to block deportation flights to Colombia, citing poor treatment onboard. This led to tensions with Trump, which were subsequently resolved when Bogota offered to use its own planes for repatriations. Other countries like Brazil and India have pledged to ensure proper treatment of migrants on deportation flights.
Jose Vicente Suarez, 58, another Colombian deportee, shared his harrowing journey through Central America to Mexico, marred by robberies, violence, and sexual assaults. After being deported within two weeks of crossing the U.S. border, Suarez also recounted poor treatment in U.S. detention centers.
Both Vasquez and Suarez highlighted instances of mistreatment and psychological distress during their time in U.S. custody. Despite the challenges they faced, their resilience and determination to reach out to their families, even in dire circumstances, demonstrate their strong will to overcome adversity.
It has been discovered that one migrant who was released managed to get in touch with his sister. Vasquez, who mentioned that he had previously entered the United States using different visas, is now seeking to return and is actively working with a lawyer to ensure that he does so through legal means. He is convinced that he will find better work opportunities in the U.S. than in Colombia. On the other hand, Suarez, who traveled for employment purposes and to reunite with his children residing in the United States, has expressed that he has no intention of trying his luck again. “I strongly advise against making the journey,” he remarked. (Reported by Oliver Griffin, Edited by Rosalba O’Brien)
