Venezuelan soccer player deported by ICE after ‘I Love You’ hand gesture was wrongly seen as a gang symbol, sparks outrage

A Venezuelan professional soccer player and youth coach, Jerce Reyes Barrios, was deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act after U.S. immigration officials accused him of gang ties. Reyes Barrios, who fled Venezuela in 2024 following imprisonment and torture for protesting the Maduro regime, had legally sought asylum via the CBP One app. Despite no criminal history, ICE detained him, citing a social media photo and a tattoo as evidence of alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang.

Misinterpreted Symbols and Legal Pushback

ICE claimed a hand gesture in Reyes Barrios’ social media photo signaled gang affiliation. His lawyer, Linette Tobin, clarified the gesture is commonly used to signify “I love you” in sign language or “rock n’ roll.” Authorities also pointed to his tattoo—a soccer ball with a crown, rosary, and the word “Dios”—which his tattoo artist confirmed was inspired by Real Madrid’s logo, not gangs.

The deportation occurred amid the Trump administration’s expanded use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to fast-track removals of those linked to Tren de Aragua. A federal judge temporarily blocked the policy, but flights proceeded unchecked. Reyes Barrios’ current whereabouts remain unknown, with family and legal teams unable to contact him since his removal.

FAQs:

Why was Jerce Reyes Barrios deported?
U.S. officials alleged gang ties based on a hand gesture and tattoo, though his legal team argued both were misinterpreted.

What happened after his deportation?
Reyes Barrios has disappeared without contact, raising concerns for his safety amid El Salvador’s strict anti-gang policies.