Venezuelan Mother Claims U.S. Government Kidnapped Her Daughter After Deportation

Yorley Inciarte, a Venezuelan mother recently deported from the United States, has accused the U.S. government of "kidnapping" her 2-year-old daughter, Maikelys Antonella Espinoza. Inciarte’s claims come after she was separated from her daughter during her nearly 10-month detention in the U.S. immigration system.

Key Takeaways

• Yorley Inciarte was deported to Venezuela without her daughter, who remains in U.S. custody.
• Inciarte accuses the U.S. government of kidnapping her child, asserting that the allegations against her and her partner are unfounded.
• The Department of Homeland Security labeled Inciarte and her partner as members of a criminal gang, but no evidence has been provided.
• Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has publicly supported Inciarte, calling for the return of her daughter.

Background of the Case

Inciarte and her partner, Maiker Espinoza Escalona, entered the U.S. seeking asylum last year. Upon surrendering to authorities, they were separated, with Inciarte and Escalona placed in different detention centers in Texas, while their daughter was taken into government custody.

After nearly 10 months, Inciarte was deported back to Venezuela, while her partner was sent to a prison in El Salvador. Inciarte claims that she was misled by U.S. officials who told her her daughter would be deported with her, only to find out upon arrival in Venezuela that Maikelys was not on the flight.

Allegations Against Inciarte and Escalona

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Inciarte and Escalona of being involved with the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal gang. According to DHS, Escalona is alleged to oversee serious crimes, while Inciarte is accused of recruiting women for drug smuggling and prostitution. However, Inciarte has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that they are false and demanding evidence to support the claims.

Lack of Evidence

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, DHS has not provided any evidence linking Inciarte and Escalona to criminal activities. An ABC News review of public records found no criminal cases against Escalona and only a minor case against Inciarte for improper entry into the U.S., for which she served minimal time.

Support from Venezuelan Government

Since her return to Venezuela, Inciarte has received support from the Venezuelan government, including President Nicolás Maduro, who has publicly condemned the U.S. actions. Maduro referred to the deportation of Inciarte and the separation from her daughter as a form of kidnapping and has vowed to assist in reuniting the family.

Inciarte’s Plea

Inciarte expressed her anguish over the separation from her daughter, stating, "I was begging them to please let me off and that I would wait at the [detention] center, no matter how long it took, but I wanted to leave with my child." She has vowed to fight for her family and ensure they are reunited, emphasizing her commitment to her homeland and her daughter.

Inciarte’s story highlights the complexities and emotional toll of immigration policies and the impact they have on families seeking refuge. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the U.S. government will respond to these serious allegations and the fate of Maikelys Antonella Espinoza.

Sources

• Deported Venezuelan mother accuses US government of ‘kidnapping’ her child, ABC News.