We, the undersigned, demand the immediate reversal of the wrongful deportation of Jerce Reyes Barrios by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A dedicated father, professional soccer player and coach, and beloved community member, Jerce was deported to the notoriously dangerous Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) in El Salvador on March 15, 2025, despite following legal U.S. immigration procedures.

Jerce Reyes Barrios scheduled an asylum appointment using the CBP One app, the official method designated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He was then accused of gang affiliation based only on a crowned soccer ball tattoo and a misinterpreted social media gesture -- a photo of Jerce making the American Sign Language 'I love you' gesture. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McGlaughlin cited the tattoo and social media post as justification for deportation and insisted that Jerce was in the country "illegally." 

We assert that Jerce's deportation was a grave error due to the following critical inaccuracies:

An Incorrect Status Determination: Jerce Reyes Barrios entered the U.S. legally by using the the CBP One app to request asylum. At every moment, he followed all legal procedures.

A Cultural Misunderstanding: The claim that Jerce's tattoo indicated gang affiliation is false. Experts on Venezuelan gangs, such as investigative journalist Ronna Risquez, confirm that tattoos are not used as gang identifiers in Venezuela, unlike in some Central American gangs.

Misinterpretation of a Common Gesture: Variations of the ASL 'I love you' sign have become a widely recognized gesture. Even the similar 'devil horns' sign, sometimes associated with Central American gangs, is ubiquitous among young people in social medial. The misinterpretation of a common hand gesture is unacceptable.

Jerce Reyes Barrios's character (defended in recorded testimonials), his consistent employment, community involvement, and demanding athletic schedule all rule out any credible argument that he is gang member.

We urge the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to:

• Immediately review Jerce Reyes Barrios's case
• Acknowledge the errors made in his deportation
• Facilitate his return to the United States for his scheduled court hearing on April 17, 2025.

Jerce Reyes Barrios deserves justice and the opportunity to pursue his asylum claim. His family, friends, and community are devastated by this injustice. We call for immediate action to rectify this egregious error.