Venezuelan Man with Autism Awareness Tattoo Sent to Prison Despite Being Declared "Clean" by ICE

A Venezuelan man has been wrongfully imprisoned in El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center simply because of his tattoos, including one of an autism awareness ribbon honoring his autistic brother - a symbol representing neurodiversity that we discuss in the Our Values Are Story page.

Neri Alvarado was detained and sent to El Salvador because of his three tattoos, one of which is a tribute to his brother with autism. MOTHER JONES

This disturbing case powerfully demonstrates why the Our Values Are project's emphasis on human dignity. The declaration that "No Human Is Illegal" is so crucial in today's climate. When individuals are judged based on appearance rather than character, we witness a direct violation of fundamental human rights that should be protected for all.

Neri Alvarado Borges, 25, was detained in Houston this February when ICE agents targeted him specifically for his tattoos. An agent reportedly told him they were finding and questioning everyone with tattoos. After Alvarado explained that one of his three tattoos was an autism awareness ribbon dedicated to his 15-year-old brother, and after officials searched his phone, agents declared him clean with no ties to criminal organizations.

Despite this determination, Alvarado remained detained without explanation. His family believed he would be returned to Venezuela but instead discovered his name on a list of 238 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador's maximum-security prison. This happened on Alvarado's 25th birthday.

His sister María told reporters that anyone who has talked with Neri even briefly would recognize his good character. The family is devastated to see him experiencing such injustice, especially knowing he has never done anything wrong.

The Our Values Are project continues to stand firmly for values like equality, respect, and the fundamental dignity of every human being. In times when people are labeled and detained based on superficial characteristics rather than actions, visibly declaring these values becomes not just important but essential to creating a more just society.

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