Detainees at the Bluebonnet immigrant detention center in Texas raised an SOS message to the outside world after facing potential deportations linked to gang allegations. Venezuelan detainees were told they were part of the Tren de Aragua gang, an accusation their families have categorically denied. Though deportations were temporarily blocked by the Supreme Court, fears remain as they could be transferred to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador under a controversial law. The facility, privately run, has seen a consistent influx of detainees, and legal battles continue around their detainment and risk of deportation.
On 18 April, after being alerted of impending deportations, a group of Venezuelan detainees at the Bluebonnet facility protested by spelling 'SOS' in dirt, seeking help.
Despite being accused of gang affiliation, many detainees insist on their innocence, leading to a legal battle as they await possible deportation under contentious wartime laws.
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