Jhoan Bastidas, a Venezuelan deportee, recounts his 16-day ordeal in Guantanamo Bay due to U.S. immigration policies. He struggles to reintegrate into a decaying Maracaibo, carrying the stigma of being labeled a gang member. His experience underscores the broader crisis faced by Venezuelan migrants forced to flee their homeland amid economic collapse and political strife. Despite the challenges, he maintains hope through his faith.
Jhoan Bastidas, a Venezuelan deportee, recounts his traumatic experience after spending 16 days in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, subjected to isolation and hunger. At just 25 years old, he struggles to comprehend his return to Maracaibo, Venezuela, after immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager. His tattoos have unfortunately branded him as a criminal, contributing to the stigma he faces since his return.
Following President Trump’s immigration enforcement measures, approximately 350 Venezuelans, including Bastidas, have been deported back to their homeland after being detained at the naval base. Allegations persist that these deportees are affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, yet the U.S. government has provided scant evidence to substantiate these claims. Bastidas shared, “It was all very hard; all those experiences were very hard.”
Since 2013, over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country amidst an economic collapse, often seeking refuge in the U.S. During this crisis, Venezuela’s government has exhibited reluctance to accept returning citizens, with exceptions made for recent deportation flights. Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the administration transferred hundreds of immigrants to secure locations, complicating their return further.
Bastidas describes his departure from Maracaibo in 2018, witnessing the dire struggles of fellow citizens facing food shortages and rampant poverty. After navigating through Peru and Colombia, he decided to migrate to Texas, enticed by promises of opportunity. Upon arrival at the U.S. border, he voluntarily surrendered, only to be detained without clarity about his future.
In Guantanamo Bay, the conditions were harsh; Bastidas felt cut off from the outside world, shackled for basic activities, and limited to a solitary hour of sunlight every few days. He and fellow detainees turned to prayer, seeking solace amidst their ordeal, believing their faith would be their salvation. “We used to say that the one who was going to get us out was God because we didn’t see any other solutions,” he remarked.
Despite being labeled as gang members due to his tattoos, Bastidas asserts he is not part of the Tren de Aragua. He believes that the authorities misinterpreted his tattoos, which he feels unjustly led to his classification. The American Civil Liberties Union has initiated litigation against the transfers to Guantanamo, alleging inhumane treatment regarding detainees.
Upon his arrival back in Venezuela, Bastidas has come to terms with his situation and seeks employment as he adjusts to life in a deteriorated Maracaibo. Once a beacon for job seekers, the city now faces overwhelming challenges attributed to years of corruption and sanctions. Nevertheless, Bastidas draws strength from his faith, viewing his experiences as part of a divine plan. “I see it as a kind of test that the Lord put me through,” he stated, expressing hope for his future despite the chaos surrounding him.
In summary, Jhoan Bastidas’ experience as a deportee highlights the complex realities faced by Venezuelans amidst political turmoil and immigration challenges. His time in Guantanamo Bay has left an indelible mark, as he navigates the stigma of being categorized as a criminal due to his tattoos. The broader context of Venezuelan migration underscores significant socio-economic problems that have propelled millions to seek better lives abroad. Ultimately, Bastidas’ reliance on faith offers a personal lens through which to view resilience amidst adversity.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
