MIAMI, FL – Earlier in August, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who reportedly participated in the torture of political dissidents under the regime of Nicolás Maduro in his home country, a revelation that reportedly came to light after the subject was apprehended in February of 2025 regarding a visa overstay.
ICE confirmed in a press release that Rafael José Quero Silva was removed back to Venezuela on August 18, citing his past participation under Maduro’s regime as a military official as aiding in his removal from the country. According to the agency, Quero Silva was a colonel in the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela (GNB), serving as the commanding officer of the 47th Detachment in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, back in 2013 under Maduro’s regime.
During Quero Silva’s time in Maduro’s military force, he reportedly oversaw the torture of 74 political dissidents and protesters, with said prisoners being subjected to beatings, electric shocks, and sexual and psychological abuse. Quero Silva reportedly arrived in the United States on June 20, 2016, via the Miami International Airport under an unspecified visa and reportedly failed to depart the country in accordance with the terms of his admission.
ICE arrested Quero Silva on February 27, 2025, in Miramar, Florida, and subsequent immigration proceedings, in which his human rights violations from years past were brought forth, led to him being deported.
In a statement regarding the case, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Miami Field Office Director Matthew Elliston emphasized how the agency is constantly working to identify and remove those who participated in human rights abuses abroad.
“ICE officers continue to remove human rights violators to their home countries. This removal reflects the outstanding work of ICE Miami, HSI Miami, FBI Miami and the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center. We are committed to public safety and national security, and to ensuring the United States does not become a safe haven for individuals who participated in persecution, torture, or other serious human rights abuses,” Director Elliston stated.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Special Agent in Charge Jose Figueroa also shared a statement on Quero Silva’s removal, saying, “This case reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring that individuals who participated in persecution or torture cannot evade justice.”
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