Story perspectives

Venezuelan Ex-Military Commander Deportation Faces Torture Lawsuit Challenge

8/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Venezuelan ex-military commander Rafael José Quero Silva to Venezuela on Aug. 19.
ICE arrested Quero Silva in Miramar, Florida, in February 2025 after he overstayed a 2016 visa.
He allegedly supervised torture of at least 74 peaceful protesters in 2013 as a colonel in the Bolivarian National Guard.
Five Venezuelan men sued under the Torture Victim Protection Act, saying his deportation hampers their damages claim.

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Story summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Venezuelan ex-military commander Rafael José Quero Silva to Venezuela on Aug. 19.
ICE arrested Quero Silva in Miramar, Florida, in February 2025 after he overstayed a 2016 visa.
He allegedly supervised torture of at least 74 peaceful protesters in 2013 as a colonel in the Bolivarian National Guard.
Five Venezuelan men sued under the Torture Victim Protection Act, saying his deportation hampers their damages claim.