In late July, Andry Hernandez Romero returned to Venezuela for the first time since his release from CECOT, the notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. The Venezuelan makeup artist had spent 125 days imprisoned after being arrested in the United States while seeking asylum based on his sexuality and political beliefs.
“This is the big controversy that has caused me too much harm,” he says in an interview with The Guardian, showing the crown tattoos dedicated to his family. While awaiting his asylum hearing, U.S. immigration officials flagged him as a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang based on those tattoos. But Hernandez Romero and his family insist the symbols are tied to his hometown’s Three Kings Day festival, where the crown is a central motif. Now back home, he is already preparing for the next celebration.
“I’m already working on my suit. My mom is happier. Everyone wants to help me with the design and the fabrics,” he said in the interview. “What they still don’t know is that in CECOT I had so much time to think. The suit is already designed.”
During his four months in CECOT, Hernandez Romero was isolated from his family and denied due process. Of the 250 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador, 90 percent had no U.S. criminal record. After returning home in a prisoner exchange, many, including Hernandez Romero, reported abuse such as beatings, rubber bullets, isolation, and spoiled food. He also alleges sexual assault but has been advised not to speak further until a formal complaint is filed. Venezuela’s attorney general has pledged to investigate El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele, whose office has not responded to media requests.
When Hernandez Romero arrived home on July 23, his family welcomed him with a warm meal and open arms. He said the people of Capacho stood by him throughout the ordeal, and his parents never stopped fighting for his freedom.
Now working with his lawyers, he is focused on clearing his name and those of the others who were deported. He insists none of them were affiliated with Tren de Aragua and believes they were wrongfully targeted. He holds former President Donald Trump and President Bukele responsible for the suffering they endured and is urging international leaders to act.
A proud gay man, Hernandez Romero has long used makeup and fashion as forms of expression and empowerment. He has returned to his art as a form of healing, creating dozens of dress sketches. But the trauma remains.
Advocates in the U.S. have warned that he may still face threats in Venezuela due to anti-LGBTQ discrimination. While those risks keep him from speaking openly about politics, they haven’t silenced his mind. He still dreams of a career in fashion and of launching Ángel de Dios, a foundation to support children with HIV and cancer.
“I’m still the same person,” he said. “I care about makeup, about justice, and about lifting up the LGBTQ community.”