Andry Jose Hernandez Romero, a Venezuelan immigrant, faced severe misinterpretation of his crown tattoos during a US immigration detention process. Celebrating the Three Kings Day in his hometown of Capacho, he symbolizes traditions that contrast sharply with US perceptions. Hernandez, who fled Venezuela due to political persecution and his sexual orientation, was labeled a gang member by US authorities. This misjudgment highlights the disconnect between cultural symbols and their meanings, revealing the harsh realities for immigrants facing bureaucratic processes in a new country.
Hernandez's tattoos were deemed proof he was a member of Venezuela's most notorious gang, the Tren de Aragua, and a security threat to the US.
Most Capacheros get crown tattoos, often adding the name of their father or mother. We've lots of people with these tattoos it’s a tradition that began in 1917.
Collection
[
|
...
]