Imagine being a 2-year-old, separated from your mother at an airport, with your father sent to a notorious prison.
This is the heartbreaking reality for Maikelys Antonella Espinoza Bernal, who’s now at the center of an international controversy.
Venezuela is accusing the U.S. of “kidnapping” the toddler after she was taken from her mother while boarding a deportation flight.
According to the Venezuelan government, Maikelys was torn away from the only family she has.
Her father, Maiker Espinoza, was shipped off to El Salvador’s infamous Cecot prison.
It is an alleged facility for dangerous gang members, though no solid evidence has been provided.
What’s Happening?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insists it removed the child for her safety.
It cited the parents’ supposed ties to a violent Venezuelan gang, the Tren de Aragua.
But here’s the kicker—no solid proof has been shared to back up these claims.
While the U.S. says it’s protecting Maikelys from “criminal activity”.
Venezuela is pushing back hard, demanding her immediate release.
They argue that international law is being violated by separating families like this.
How long before this tragic story sees a resolution? Maikelys’ future hangs in the balance.
