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Venezuelan Asylum Seeker Freed After 125 Days of Abuse

7/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Andry Hernández Romero, a gay Venezuelan asylum seeker, faced a harrowing ordeal in El Salvador's infamous CECOT prison after escaping anti-LGBTQ+ violence. After 125 days, he was freed in a prisoner swap, but advocates are still alarmed for his safety and are calling for accountability from the U.S. government regarding his mistreatment.

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Story summary

Andry Hernández Romero, a gay Venezuelan asylum seeker, faced a harrowing ordeal in El Salvador's infamous CECOT prison after escaping anti-LGBTQ+ violence. After 125 days, he was freed in a prisoner swap, but advocates are still alarmed for his safety and are calling for accountability from the U.S. government regarding his mistreatment.