A professional soccer player was deported to the world’s worst prison after authorities misinterpreted the meaning of one of his tattoos.
A professional soccer player has been deported to what many call the “world’s worst prison.”
This situation arose due to a tattoo that was misunderstood by authorities.
Jerce Reyes Barrios, originally from Venezuela, now finds himself in a dire situation.
Background of soccer player Jerce Reyes Barrios
Jerce Reyes Barrios is not just a soccer player; he is also a children’s coach. He fled Venezuela and reached the Mexican border in September 2024.
His journey was made possible by a mobile app called CBP One, which was used to improve processing at the border during the previous U.S. administration.
Professional soccer player faces deportation to infamous prison one of tattoos he possesses
Barrio’s tattoo has caused significant problems for him. Authorities claim that it looks like a symbol associated with gang activity.
“Jerce Reyes Barrios was not only in the United States illegally, but he has tattoos that are consistent with those indicating TdA gang membership.”
However, his attorney argues that the tattoo resembles the logo of Real Madrid, Barrios’s favorite soccer team.
The design features a soccer ball with a crown and the word “Dios,” which means “God” in Spanish.
Despite having no criminal record, Barrios was linked to a gang called TdA by U.S. authorities.
This connection was made after he participated in a protest against the Maduro government earlier this year.
His social media activity also raised eyebrows among officials.
“His own social media indicates he is a member of the vicious TdA gang. That all said, DHS intelligence assessments go beyond a single tattoo and we are confident in our findings.”
Barrios’s attorney raises serious concerns about his deportation.
Barrios’s attorney, Linette Tobin, has come to his defense. She argues that the tattoo does not represent gang affiliation but rather his love for soccer.
In court documents, she mentioned that Barrios has lost contact with his family and legal team since his deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Barrios was in the U.S. illegally and that his tattoos matched those of the TdA gang.
A senior DHS official mentioned that their intelligence assessments support this claim.
However, Tobin insists that no proper investigation took place before Barrios was deported.
Prison conditions are harsh and extremely overcrowded for inmates.
Barrios has been sent to a prison in El Salvador known for its harsh conditions. Many people consider it one of the worst places to be incarcerated.
A CNN reporter described the prison as having very limited facilities. Inmates are kept in overcrowded cells with minimal furniture and are confined for almost the entire day.
Reports suggest that thousands of prisoners are held in this facility.
Many have been deported under policies put in place during the Trump administration.
The conditions inside the prison are alarming, with few resources available for inmates.
Social media reactions
News of Barrios’s deportation has sparked outrage on social media. Many people are questioning the justice system and the way it handles such cases.
One user said: The cruelty is the point. I haven’t felt this awful about being an American since 2003 when we lied our way into a war when nobody but the war hawks believed there were WMDs in Iraq.
The second user added: Those thinking they can sue or get this guy back soon are asleep on their feet.
Nothing is going to progress until the Trumptard is gone, it’s pure dictatorship and fascism and so many just can’t see it.
The third user commented: Well, that’ll be their new directive. They’d have an official list of excuses to block as many people they can.
The fourth user said: Gang members can also be a football player, there are no conflicts between the 2. But in my opinion, deporting them to Venezuela is enough.
Another user wrote: There was no misunderstanding, they did this on purpose, now let’s see how hard they make it to get him back after they know who he is.
