Jefferson Jose Laya Freites
Jefferson Jose Laya Freites crossed the border in 2023. He is now in CECOT prison in El Salvador.
Coming to the US
After the murder of a relative, Jefferson Jose Laya Freites fled Venezuela with his wife, who has asked to remain unnamed for fear of being targeted by immigration officials. They were concerned about violence, oppression and the economy, and hoped to find a better future for their children.
Detention and expulsion
On January 28, 2025 Freites was driving home from work with his cousin when they were stopped by federal agents. Although both men had valid work authorization and pending asylum hearings, they were taken into ICE custody. They were held in the Aurora ICE facility for a month before transferring to Texas. There they told their wives they were being deported to Venezuela. Then on a weekend late in March, Freite’s son recognized his dad in a social media video posted by Salvadoran officials. His wife has confirmed that Freites has no tattoos, nor is he a gang member.
Immigration hearing on pending asylum claim
At his March Immigration hearing, Freites was missing as Judge Joseph Imburgia called his name. An attorney with an immigrants right group told the judge that Freite’s wife believed her husband was in an El Salvadoran prison after seeing him on a video. The judge looked to federal prosecutor, Tanga Bernal for clarity. Bernal said he had been released to local authorities and would need permission from her superiors to give more detailed information on Freite’s whereabouts.
What can you do?
Continue to put pressure on your representatives to demand the release of Leonel and other deportees who received no due process afforded to them by the US Constitution before deportation to El Salvador: Click here to find your State Representative; Click here to find your Senator.
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