South Jordan, Utah – A mistaken email from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security instructing a Utah-based immigration lawyer to leave the United States has raised concerns about potential errors in the immigration enforcement system. Carlos Trujillo, the lawyer who was pivotal in the effort to release American Josh Holt from captivity in Venezuela, is a naturalized U.S. citizen and was perplexed to receive the notice.
Trujillo expressed his shock and concern, stating that the email, even if erroneous, sparked fears of possible wrongful detentions in the future. The email arrived in his inbox on April 11, leaving him astounded by the possibility of such a mistake.
His involvement in the legal and diplomatic efforts during 2017 and 2018 was crucial in securing the release of Josh and Thamy Holt, who were detained in Venezuela under charges deemed unjust by the U.S. government. Josh Holt had endured nearly two years of imprisonment without proper access to court proceedings or medical care. The resolution of his case came thanks to diplomatic efforts involving U.S. Senate staffers and Venezuelan authorities, finally culminating in the couple’s safe return to Utah in May 2018.
Reflecting emotionally on his role in the case, Trujillo described himself as an intermediary amongst various parties including the Holt family, legal teams in Venezuela, congressional representatives, and the U.S. State Department. He recalled the responsibility as “the privilege of a lifetime.”
The error that led to Trujillo receiving the deportation email was reportedly part of a broader issue. U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a statement explaining that notices were sent to terminate parole for individuals believed to be unlawfully in the country. However, they acknowledged that some emails were mistakenly sent to the wrong recipients and pledged to address these mix-ups individually.
Trujillo, originally from San Antonio de Los Altos, Venezuela, now dedicates much of his professional life to assisting immigrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. He helps his clients navigate the U.S. immigration system and secure asylum. He pointed out that many of his clients, who received similar emails, are already eligible for asylum and have applied for it.
Despite the unsettling incident, Trujillo remains committed to advocating for those who choose to stay in the U.S., driven by a mission to fight for justice in a country that has provided him with significant opportunities.
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