Keiber Zabaleta Morillo is a native of Barrio Guanipa Matos, Venancio Pulgar parish, Maracaibo, Venezuela and a skilled carpenter.
According to his siter, Mariel Zabaleta Murillo, Keiber entered the US and surrendered to authorities and then was held in custody for seven months. He was then released on parole and told that once relations between the United States and Venezuela are resolved, he could be deported
“Keiber traveled to the United States seeking a better life for his family and children, not to commit crimes. My son is innocent; he didn't hurt anyone. He just wanted to help us get ahead," Keiver’s mother said, heartbroken, at a protest she organized in Venezuela for her son.
On February 23 2025, ICE arrested Keiber at the residence he shared with his father.
“My brother called us daily via video calls while he was in detention, and then on Friday, [March 13 2025], he told us that he would be deported to Venezuela,” Muriel said. “And he was very content, very happy. He asked for my aunt's address in Maracaibo. He told us that soon we would have news from him. But after that Friday, he never called us again.”
Mariel explained that the family realized Keiber had been taken to CECOT prison in El Salvador when they closely examined the video, President Bukele released, of the prisoners arriving from the US, and they recognized Keiber.
“It's not fair. My brother is not a criminal. My brother is a hardworking man by profession, a carpenter. He does not belong to Tren de Aragua, he does not belong to any gang. We have his clean criminal record. It is not fair that many young people are guinea pigs for those two countries. The truth is that we are very outraged,” Muriel added.
Zabaleta's family presented documents confirming that Keiver has no criminal record in Venezuela. His father obtained records that disprove any links to criminal activity. "Here's his innocence ," he stated.
The family and community demand Keiver Zabaleta's release and return home, along with a fair trial. They insist their son is the victim of an injustice and call for the intervention of the Venezuelan authorities to arrange his safe return.
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