Detained immigrants form S-O-S at Texas facility amid deportation fears

Detained immigrants form S-O-S at Texas facility amid deportation fears

Immigrants detained at Bluebonnet detention centre in Anson, Texas, created an S-O-S sign seen from above this week.

Thirty-one males organized themselves to form the letters while a Reuters drone captured footage on Monday.
Previously, quite a few Venezuelan detainees obtained notices from immigration officers suggesting their involvement with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, making them eligible for deportation underneath wartime laws, as evidenced by paperwork, video calls and courtroom information.
Seven detainees’ households spoke to Reuters, denying gang affiliations and confirming their kin refused to signal the paperwork.
On Friday, April 18, authorities tried to move them to Abilene Regional Airport, however the journey was interrupted they usually returned to the facility.
The Supreme Court subsequently issued a brief halt to deportations, with the Department of Homeland Security providing no touch upon the state of affairs.
The Venezuelans at Bluebonnet stay at danger of switch to CECOT, El Salvador’s high-security jail, the place 137 Venezuelans had been beforehand despatched underneath the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
The privately-operated Bluebonnet facility, located 200 miles west of Dallas, homes roughly 846 detainees each day in fiscal 12 months 2025. Reuters captured aerial pictures after being denied direct entry, revealing some detainees in purple high-risk uniforms.
Reuters recognized a number of detainees, together with Diover Millan, 24, and Jeferson Escalona, 19. Millan, transferred from Georgia’s Stewart detention centre, lacks a legal document regardless of officers claiming gang membership with out proof.
Escalona, detained since January 2025, denies gang involvement, stating he served as a police officer in Venezuela. He believes authorities misinterpreted frequent Venezuelan hand gestures in photographs on his confiscated telephone.
Despite requesting voluntary return to Venezuela, Escalona stays detained, expressing fears for his security.
Recent years have seen quite a few Venezuelans searching for refuge within the United States, escaping financial hardship and alleged authoritarian measures underneath President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration goals to revoke momentary humanitarian protections established throughout Joe Biden’s presidency.