Seeking Justice: The Story of Ydalis Chirinos Polanco and Her Son's Detention in El Salvador
Ydalis Chirinos Polanco last heard from her son on March 15, when he called her from the El Valle immigration detention center in Texas. Instead of returning to Venezuela as he had hoped, he was unexpectedly sent to the CECOT prison in El Salvador, a high-security facility for terrorists and gang members. Chirinos Polanco, who used to speak with her son daily, has not heard from him in over 85 days.
Her son, Ysqueibel Peñaloza, had entered the U.S. legally in September and was working in North Carolina to support his family back in Venezuela. However, he was detained in February along with his friend Arturo Suarez while filming a music video. Despite entering legally and having no criminal record, Peñaloza was accused of being a member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang and summarily deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act.
Chirinos Polanco discovered her son's whereabouts through propaganda videos from CECOT, where he was seen waving for help. She worries about his well-being in the prison, which is known for housing terrorists and gang members who may never be released. The circumstances of his arrest, along with those of other Venezuelans sent to CECOT, have raised concerns about due process violations and lack of evidence of gang affiliation.
The U.S. government has defended its actions, citing intelligence assessments and due process under the Constitution. However, critics argue that the men were removed without proper notice or opportunity to challenge their status. Families of the detainees, like Chirinos Polanco, have become activists, staging protests and seeking justice for their loved ones.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for a possible reversal of the removals. The Supreme Court ruled that the men were not given a fair chance to contest their deportations, and a federal judge has ordered the government to explain how it will facilitate appeals for the detainees. Chirinos Polanco remains hopeful that with international attention, the remaining men in CECOT will have a chance to defend themselves and be heard.
As she waits for news of her son, Chirinos Polanco continues to advocate for justice and fair treatment for all those detained in CECOT. The uncertainty and silence weigh heavily on her and other families affected by the controversial removals.