Nolberto Rafael Aguilar Rodriguez

Nolberto Rafael Rodriguez came to the US in March of 2024. He is now in CEcOT in El Salvador.

Coming to the US

Nolberto Rafael Aguilar Rodriguez initially fled to Columbia when he left Venezuela due to economic conditions.  He lived in Columbia for 10 years working as a shoe store manager.  A friend promised to get him a job in the US if he came. Nolberto decided to do so and traveled to Mexico where he requested an appointment through the CBP One app. At the end of March 2024 he entered the Us, attended his appointment, and was released. 

Detained and deported

Once free he began to work for a bus company. There he learned that some Mexicans and Venezuelans robbed and scammed the migrants who used their transport. Rafael was targeted by those scammers who said he was a member of Tren de Aragua.  Because of those accusations, Rafael was captured by Immigration agents.  In a scheduled hearing in Immigration Court in February, he was told he would be deported to Venezuela. Instead he was expelled to CECOT in March.

Not a criminal

Rafael’s sister, who has cancer, said Rafael came to the US to look for a better future and to help her with cancer treatment in Colombia.  She has said Rafael is not a criminal.

Source document: https://www.elsalvador.com/noticias/nacional/estados-unidos-envio-carcel-salvadorena-venezolano-torturado-protestar-maduro/1207554/2025/