Venezuelan makeup artist who was deported to El Salvador seeks asylum in Spain: ‘I feel safe here’
Andry José Hernández Romero, a Venezuelan makeup artist, has sought asylum in Spain after being deported from the US to El Salvador's Cecot prison. He left Venezuela for Spain in early February, feeling unsafe in his home country and distrustful of US authorities. Hernández hopes to find safety and rebuild his life in Spain, where he feels he can heal and express his talents.
- ▪Hernández was deported from the US to El Salvador's notorious Cecot prison before returning to Venezuela.
- ▪He fled Venezuela to escape persecution as a gay man and the risks of opposing the government.
- ▪After receiving a threatening visit from government officials, he decided to seek asylum in Spain.
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Hernández attends mass with his mother, Dolores Alexis Romero de Hernández, in Capacho, Táchira state, Venezuela, on 24 July 2025. Photograph: Federico Parra/AFP via Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenHernández attends mass with his mother, Dolores Alexis Romero de Hernández, in Capacho, Táchira state, Venezuela, on 24 July 2025. Photograph: Federico Parra/AFP via Getty ImagesUS immigrationVenezuelan makeup artist who was deported to El Salvador seeks asylum in Spain: ‘I feel safe here’Andry José Hernández Romero was deported from the US to El Salvador’s notorious Cecot prison before he was allowed to return to VenezuelaJusto RoblesFri 22 May 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 22 May 2026 06.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOne of the Venezuelan men sent from the US to El…
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