Who is Andry?
Andry José Hernández Romero is a gifted Venezuelan makeup artist and actor who came to the United States in 2024 seeking asylum from persecution in Venezuela related to his sexual orientation and political beliefs.
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Known for his creativity, warmth, and community spirit, Andry's story is one rooted in courage—and now, impacted by injustice. Andry fled his home and was forced to separate from his family after violent threats to his safety.
He took the treacherous journey from Venezuela to the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico by land. He entered the United States by crossing the border, and then learned how to enter lawfully through the CBP One application. Upon entry, Andry was immediately put into detention at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, CA because of his tattoos.
Immigrant Defenders Law Center then met him and took on his asylum case. Andry was detained in Otay Mesa for several months due to his tattoos.
Andry's Tattoos
The government alleged Andry’s tattoos connected him to the Tren de Aragua gang and used them as basis for his forceful disappearance. His tattoos are placed on either wrist and say “Mom” and “Dad” with crowns on top of the words. The government claimed that the crown symbol was used as an identifier for the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been debunked by experts on the gang.
To Andry, these tattoos represent his connection to the “Los Reyes Magos” or Three Kings Day festival in his hometown which commemorates a Christian/Catholic holiday that honors the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus and brought gifts. In Venezuela, the holiday is marked by parades, parties, and special events and Andry has been involved since his childhood as an actor, costume designer, and makeup artist.
Andry's tattoos
Andry performing at event during Three Kings Day celebration in his hometown.
Image of Andry's head being forcibly shaved at CECOT.
TIME Photo Journalist Philip Holsinger, 2025.
In this photo, Holsinger said that Andry was crying for his mother while praying.
Disappeared to CECOT
In March 2025, he became one of 238 Venezuelan migrants unlawfully removed from the U.S. under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Andry was taken by the Trump Administration without prior knowledge and sent on a plane to El Salvador. Two days prior to this flight, Andry had an asylum hearing and the government failed to facilitate his appearance. Without due process, Andry had been forcibly sent to CECOT, a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, because a CoreCivic employee determined he had gang affiliation due to his crown tattoos.
Andry has since been held incommunicado for over 50 days, with no ability to contact his family or legal team. Immigrant Defenders Law Center represents Andry in his asylum case, and as his legal advocates, we are uniquely positioned to fight for his freedom—and, in doing so, to challenge a dangerous precedent that threatens the human rights of all asylum seekers, and due process in the United States.
Since his removal there has been widespread support for his case in the media, social media, and from prominent figures including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Alex Padilla, Representative Robert Garcia, Representative Veronica Escobar, Congressman Mark Takano and Representative Becca Balint. His story has been featured on 60 Minutes, MSNBC, CNN and in the New Yorker among many other outlets.
Andry's Journey
March 6, 2025
DHS files “evidence” in immigration court of Andry’s tattoos being tied to the Tren de Aragua gang during his ongoing asylum proceedings.
March 7, 2025
Andry calls his mother to share that thinks he is being transferred to another ICE detention center outside of California. ImmDef eventually locates him in an ICE detention facility near Laredo, Texas.
March 13, 2025
Andry calls his mother to share that he thinks he will be flown to Venezuela.
April 2, 2025
During an asylum court hearing the government admits they don’t have enough information and don’t know what to do regarding Andry’s case since he was removed to El Salvador.
April 6, 2025
60 Minutes
60 Minutes report covers Andry’s story and confirms through pictures proof that he is in CECOT and alive thanks to TIME photojournalist Philip Holsinger. For the first time it is confirmed that 75% of the people forcibly removed to El Salvador do not have criminal history in the United States nor in their home countries.
April 23, 2025
Rep Garcia visits El Salvador
ImmDef successfully objects the motion to dismiss Andry's case in immigration court. A new hearing is scheduled for late May. Representative Robert Garcia of California visits El Salvador to demand a proof of life confirmation from the U.S. embassy.
April 25, 2025
Andry is added as a lead plaintiff in the amended lawsuit seeking the return of all those unlawfully imprisoned in El Salvador.
May 2025
Legal action intensifies
Andry is now a named, lead plaintiff of J.G.G. v Trump, the ACLU national litigation challenging the use of the Alien Enemies Act to disappear Venezuelan people without due process.
Currently
Andry has had no communication with his family or lawyers for over 50 days. His health and safety remain unknown. ImmDef and national advocates continue to fight for his release.
September 2024
Detained in Otay Mesa.
While awaiting his asylum hearing, Andry is held for several months in the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego. While there, he passes his credible fear interview, thereby completing the first step in his asylum process.
March 14, 2025
Andry disappears
March 15, 2025
Forcibly removed to CECOT, El Salvador
The Trump administration invokes the Alien Enemies Act claiming there is an “invasion” of the Tren de Aragua gang. At this time, Andry’s ImmDef attorneys fear he is on the plane and begin to take action advocating in the media.
March 17, 2025
During an asylum hearing in the United States it is confirmed by the U.S. government that Andry was forcibly disappeared on a government flight to CECOT. Following this hearing, his attorney requests facilitated communication and the government says that they won't facilitate communication with someone that has been removed.
December 2024
ImmDef initiates representation for Andry's case.
Immigrant Defenders Law Center begins representing Andry in immigration court and files his asylum application.
July/August 2024
Andry reaches the US-Mexico border
Andry attempts to enter U.S. but is sent back to Mexico and told to apply for CBP One application. He then applies through this application and enters lawfully in August.
May 2024
Andry leaves Venezuela
Fleeing persecution due to his sexual orientation and political environment, Andry begins a dangerous journey north, crossing the Darien Gap.
On the day of his scheduled court hearing, Andry is nowhere to be found. Government attorneys are unable to confirm his whereabouts. The judge continues his case until March 17 in order to give the government time to produce Andry in court.