After Guantanamo Bay: The Journey of a Deported Venezuelan

Jhoan Bastidas, a Venezuelan deported from the U.S. and held at Guantanamo Bay, reflects on his experiences of isolation and hunger. He attempts to make sense of his return to Venezuela after fleeing the country’s economic crisis. Bastidas and other deported Venezuelans face significant challenges, with allegations of gang affiliations complicating their reintegration into society. His reliance on faith provides a means of coping with the difficulties ahead.

Jhoan Bastidas, a Venezuelan deported from the United States, reflected on his experience of being held at Guantanamo Bay for 16 days, where he endured isolation and meager meals. He described the confinement as consisting of a small room with minimal sensory stimulation, stating, “I was locked up all day in a little room — I counted the feet: 7 wide and 13 long — without being able to do anything, without a book, looking at the walls.”

Bastidas was among approximately 350 Venezuelan deportees returned to their homeland following a crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration. Following his deportation, he is beginning to process the substantial changes in his life and how his tattoos affected public perception during his time in the United States. He expressed the harsh realities he faced, asserting, “It was all very hard; all those experiences were very hard.”

The recent deportations are part of a broader governmental strategy to alleviate illegal immigration and alleged gang affiliations among immigrants. Approximately 180 Venezuelans were held at Guantanamo, accused of links to the Tren de Aragua gang, although there is scant evidence to substantiate this claim. The US administration has continued to expedite these deportations even amid legal challenges.

Bastidas emigrated from Venezuela in 2018 amid the economic crisis, seeking better opportunities elsewhere. His journey led him to the United States, where he ultimately surrendered to authorities at the border. Misled about his destination, he unexpectedly found himself in Guantanamo, unaware of the facility’s notorious reputation until he arrived.

During his detention, Bastidas described life inside as devoid of any meaningful connection or time perception, punctuated by feelings of hopelessness. The only relief came during short recreation periods. He recounted, “We used to say that the one who was going to get us out was God because we didn’t see any other solutions.”

Bastidas and other deported Venezuelans returned home on February 20, welcomed back by state security officials. He has since reentered civilian life, working at a local hot dog stand in a city marred by economic hardship and migration-related struggles. Despite this, he finds solace in his faith, viewing his trials as a divine test. He stated: “I see it as a kind of test that the Lord put me through. He has another purpose for me. It wasn’t for me to be (in the U.S.), and he kept me there (in detention) for some reason.”

Jhoan Bastidas’ return to Venezuela after extensive detention highlights the challenges faced by many deported immigrants. His experiences in Guantanamo Bay reveal the psychological and emotional toll of immigration policy decisions. The complexities surrounding deportation, gang affiliation claims, and the economic crises in Venezuela compel a deeper understanding of the migrant experience. Bastidas’s reliance on faith underscores a personal resilience amid adversity as he seeks to rebuild his life in a changing homeland.

Original Source: www.clickorlando.com