Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem faced scrutiny regarding the case of Andry José Hernández Romero, a gay Venezuelan deported to a prison in El Salvador. Detained for over six months under allegations of gang affiliation based on his tattoos, Romero's family asserts these symbols do not indicate criminal ties. During a congressional hearing, Rep. Robert Garcia questioned Noem about Romero's wellbeing, emphasizing the distress his mother faces, yet she deflected responsibility, stating she lacked details about the case due to its international nature, thus sparking further concern over asylum seekers' treatment under current policies.
Noem replied that she did not "know the specifics" of the case and because he was in El Salvador, Garcia should ask the government there about his wellbeing.
"Would you commit to just letting his mother know - as a mother-to-mother - if Andry is alive?" asked Democrat representative Robert Garcia.
However, family and friends have repeatedly told the media that the tattoos were not gang symbols but a reference to Three Kings Day.
He had fled Venezuela and was seeking safety in the US after facing threats for being gay.
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