Case Raises Due Process Concerns for LGBTQ+ Refugees in the United States
The Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Coalition will hold a rally and press conference at noon on Tuesday at West Hollywood Park to demand the return of Andry José Hernández Romero, a 31-year-old gay asylum seeker from Venezuela who was deported to El Salvador.
Andry Romero was seeking refuge in the United States due to threats of persecution in Venezuela based on his sexual orientation. Despite having no criminal record and credible fears for his safety, he was deported without a scheduled court hearing. U.S. authorities reportedly cited alleged gang affiliations based on his tattoos, claims his legal team disputes.
According to his attorney, Andry Romero’s tattoos are related to his profession as a makeup artist and stylist, as well as tributes to family members. Since his deportation, his lawyer has lost contact with him, and he is believed to be held in the notorious CECOT Prison in El Salvador.
The coalition said his detention in a Salvadoran prison raises serious concerns for his safety and called his deportation “a grave injustice” and “an affront to the LGBTQ+ community.”
“The U.S. government’s actions in this case set a dangerous precedent,” the coalition said in a statement. “If due process can be denied to Andry, it can be denied to anyone seeking protection under the law.”
Community members, elected officials, LGBTQ+ leaders, and Andry Romero’s legal team are expected to attend the rally, urging federal officials to secure his immediate return to the United States to continue his asylum process.
The event will take place from noon to 1:00 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, 647 North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood. It is free to attend and you can get tickets on Eventbrite to let the organizers know how many community members will be there to support Andry Romero.
