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A Mother and Father Were Deported Under Trump. But What Happened to Their Daughter?

The New York Times's profile
The New York Times
2h ago

Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal, a toddler, has been separated from her parents after the Trump administration deported her mother to Venezuela and her father to a prison in El Salvador, citing unproven gang affiliations. The child remains in foster care in the U.S., with her family advocating for her return amidst claims of her parents' innocence and a lack of criminal records. U.S. officials justified the separation for the toddler's 'safety and welfare' but have not provided evidence for the alleged gang ties of her parents. The family, who fled economic and political hardship in Venezuela, was detained after crossing into the U.S., with tattoos cited as indicators of gang membership. Despite the administration's stance, the girl's grandmother and other family members continue to fight for her reunification with her family in Venezuela, expressing concerns about the psychological impact of her frequent relocations between foster homes.

A Mother and Father Were Deported Under Trump. But What Happened to Their Daughter?

Maikelys Antonella, the daughter of Yorely Bernal and Maiker Espinoza, remains in U.S. foster care after her parents were deported under accusations of being linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, though no substantial evidence has been provided.

U.S. authorities removed the child from her parents citing her 'safety and welfare,' but the family argues there is no criminal record for either parent in the countries they have lived in, challenging the basis for their detention and deportation.

Yorely Bernal was deported to Venezuela, expecting her daughter to accompany her based on documentation she was shown, but was separated at the last moment; Maiker Espinoza is held in a Salvadoran prison, categorized as a gang member without trial or concrete evidence.

The family, who initially fled Venezuela due to political and economic instability, faced perilous journeys through South America and were detained upon entering the U.S.; they were accused of gang affiliation largely based on their tattoos, which include personal and benign designs.

Antonella's grandmother, Raida Inciarte, has been in contact with officials and foster parents, expressing deep concern over the child's well-being and the psychological effects of being moved between different foster homes.

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