Deported Venezuelan Undergoes Rare Surgery Lands in El Salvador Prison; Family Unaware of His Condition

Deported Venezuelan Undergoes Rare Surgery Lands in El Salvador Prison; Family Unaware of His Condition

In a concerning twist, Mariela Villamizar, a worried mother from Venezuela, found herself grappling with the health and whereabouts of her son Wladimir Vera Villamizar, who underwent a life-altering surgery mere weeks before being sent to El Salvador's infamous Supermax prison, the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT).

Wladimir, a 33-year-old welder, had a history of battling tuberculosis, leaving behind a scarred right lung. His condition worsened while he was in U.S. immigration detention, and after a brief release, he was raced to the E.R. for an emergency pneumonectomy – the complete removal of his right lung[1].

"The operation took over five hours," his mother recounted, "but thankfully, he pulled through OK." But the recovery was far from smooth sailing.

Just days after Donald Trump took office, Wladimir was detained once again[1]. In March, under Trump's emergency wartime powers, more than 200 Venezuelan men, including Wladimir, were deported to CECOT. Leaked documents revealed Wladimir's name among the deportees[1].

Ever since their last conversation on March 13, Mariela has been left in limbo, unable to get any reliable information about her son. His health, condition, and treatment are complete mysteries.

The incommunicado nature of CECOT prisoners makes it so that no information can be shared about Wladimir's situation. The men were sent to CECOT under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law meant to be used in wartime that suspends certain due process rights for citizens of hostile nations[1]. The legality of the move remains a focal point in ongoing litigation.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security's Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin, claimed that Vera "self-admitted to spending 7 years in prison for murder charges in Venezuela and is a member of Tren de Aragua, a ruthless terrorist gang."

However, Mariela conceded to Vera's 7-year sentence for homicide but denied that he ever belonged to Tren de Aragua[1]. According to constitutional rights attorneys in the U.S., a past criminal conviction should not deprive a person of their legal protections[1].

On the matter of Wladimir's medical condition, McLaughlin said, "This criminal illegal alien was in good health at the time of his deportation to El Salvador." She redirected questions about his current medical care to the U.S. State Department, which then referred the inquiry back to the Department of Homeland Security[1].

Doctors doubt the feasibility of detaining a pneumonectomy patient, given the severe nature of such a procedure and the risks associated with infection in crowded, enclosed spaces like a detention center or prison. Wladimir reportedly struggled with his cough after the procedure and before his deportation, which causes immense worry for his doctors.

Furthermore, the lack of access to medication and quality medical care for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension could lead to either immediate life-threatening complications or long-term health complications[1]. The families of the CECOT deportees remain fearful for their loved ones, who they believe are at risk due to the harsh conditions and potential lack of medical care.

1. Mariela Villamizar's concern extends beyond Wladimir's whereabouts, as he has multiple medical conditions to manage, including a history of tuberculosis and post-pneumonectomy recovery.
2. Wladimir's scarred right lung, a result of battling tuberculosis, raises concerns about his respiratory health, especially COPD and other respiratory conditions.
3. The emergency pneumonectomy left Wladimir vulnerable to infections, a risk that could be heightened in crowded, enclosed spaces like detention centers or prisons.
4. The recovery from a pneumonectomy is complex and requires strict post-operative care, including medication and regular medical check-ups, which may not be readily available in detention or prison settings.
5. Chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes and hypertension require consistent management and medication, and the lack of access to such care in places like CECOT could lead to life-threatening complications.
6. Digestive health could also be jeopardized in such conditions, as regular access to nutrition and balanced meals may not be guaranteed.
7. Eye, hearing, and skin conditions can also deteriorate due to lack of proper care, adding to Wladimir's health challenges.
8. The stress of his situation could exacerbate mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
9. Men's health encompasses a broad range of issues, including reproductive health and prostate health, both of which could be compromised in a prison setting.
10. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant require regular prenatal care, and Wladimir's potential partner might be concerned about their ability to have a healthy baby if he is not receiving proper medical care.
11. Aging can bring on various health issues, and without proper care, these could be exacerbated in a prison environment.
12. Wladimir's health issues could also affect his sexual health, which is a crucial aspect of overall wellness.
13. Alzheimers disease, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders could potentially surface or worsen due to stress and lack of care.
14. Migraines, a common neurological disorder, could become more frequent or severe without proper care.
15. Cardiovascular health is crucial for overall wellbeing, and the stress and lack of nutrition could contribute to heart problems.
16. Skin conditions like psoriasis could flare up in a prison setting due to stress, poor hygiene, and lack of access to proper skin care products.
17. Therapies and treatments for various health conditions, such as medications, counseling, and rehabilitation programs, may not be readily available in a prison setting.
18. Wladimir's family is concerned about his ability to manage his weight due to the inconsistent access to nutritious food in a prison setting.
19. War and conflicts, including policies and legislation surrounding immigration and deportation, have significant impacts on health and wellness, particularly in terms of mental health.
20. Car accidents, fires, and other accidents can pose a risk in a prison setting, potentially exacerbating existing health conditions or leading to new ones.
21. Crime and justice issues, such as alleged affiliations with gangs, can have significant ramifications on a person's health and wellness, both physically and mentally.
22. General news and updates about Wladimir's health and situation are crucial for his family to remain informed and offer support as needed.
23. Policy and legislation regarding immigration, detention, and deportation have far-reaching consequences on health and wellness, particularly in terms of access to medical care and human rights.

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