A professional soccer player seeking asylum in the US was deported to El Salvador under the Aliens Enemy Act.
Immigration officials accused Jerce Reyes Barrios of gang membership—based on a tattoo and a hand gesture he made in a photo on social media.
A former professional player and youth soccer coach, Reyes Barrios was detained by ICE in September 2024 after legally presenting himself at the border through the CBP One app. He had fled Venezuela after he was imprisoned and tortured for his participation in a protest against the authoritarian Maduro regime.
Despite having no criminal record and providing evidence supporting his asylum claim, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged Reyes Barrios was a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. In early March, he was abruptly moved to a detainment facility in Texas, then deported to El Salvador on March 15.
According to court documents filed Wednesday, ICE officials had flagged a social media photo of Reyes Barrios making a gesture they believed was a gang symbol. However, his attorney, Linette Tobin, noted the gesture translates to "I love you," in sign language, and also closely resembles the gesture for "rock n' roll."
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Various celebrities are seen making the same hand gesture. [Top left to right] ASL Barbie, Dee Snider, Miley Cyrus, Miles Brown, Pink [Bottom left to right] Tanner Fox, Jerce Reyes Brown, Bam Margera, former President Joe BidenGetty Images
Various celebrities are seen making the same hand gesture. [Top left to right] ASL Barbie, Dee Snider, Miley Cyrus, Miles Brown, Pink [Bottom left to right] Tanner Fox, Jerce Reyes Brown, Bam Margera, former President Joe BidenGetty ImagesA portion of the sworn declaration filed by Jerce Reyes Barrio's attorney, Linette Tobin.@ReichlinMelnick via X
DHS also cited his tattoo as evidence of gang membership. Reyes Barrios' tattoo is of a soccer ball with a crown, rosary and the word "Dios" (Spanish for God). A signed declaration from the tattoo artist states Reyes Barrios chose the image for its resemblance to the Real Madrid soccer team logo.
The case comes amidst Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite deportations of noncitizens suspected of Tren de Aragua affiliation.
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Photos provided by the Salvadoran government show inmates on March 16, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The prisoners were deported from the US after President Donald Trump's administration allegedly linked each individual to criminal organizations. Complete information on the detainees has not been made publicly available.Salvadoran Government via Getty Images
Photos provided by the Salvadoran government show inmates on March 16, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The prisoners were deported from the US after President Donald Trump's administration allegedly linked each individual to criminal organizations. Complete information on the detainees has not been made publicly available.Salvadoran Government via Getty ImagesPhotos provided by the Salvadoran government show inmates on March 16, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The prisoners were deported from the US after President Donald Trump's administration allegedly linked each individual to criminal organizations. Complete information on the detainees has not been made publicly available.Salvadoran Government via Getty ImagesPhotos provided by the Salvadoran government show inmates on March 16, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The prisoners were deported from the US after President Donald Trump's administration allegedly linked each individual to criminal organizations. Complete information on the detainees has not been made publicly available.Salvadoran Government via Getty ImagesPhotos provided by the Salvadoran government show inmates on March 16, 2025 in Tecoluca, El Salvador. The prisoners were deported from the US after President Donald Trump's administration allegedly linked each individual to criminal organizations. Complete information on the detainees has not been made publicly available.Salvadoran Government via Getty Images
US District Judge James Boasberg blocked the act's use on Saturday and ordered two already-departed flights turned around, but officials did not respond to the order. Department of Justice attorneys have stated that Boasberg's subsequent request for more information is under consideration, but may be denied under state secrets privilege.
Since his deportation, Tobin and family member have lost all contact with Reyes Barrios and have no information on his condition, according to court documents.
