NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – Noticias LocalesAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade
ICE deports former Venezuelan colonel accused of torturing protesters
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Rafael José Quero Silva, a former colonel in the Venezuelan National Guard, to Venezuela on August 19 following his arrest in Miramar. The agency reports that Quero Silva, who overstayed his visa after entering the U.S. in 2016, was accused of overseeing the torture of at least 74 peaceful protesters in 2013.
Read the full story at Telemundo 51 Miami – Noticias LocalesWhy It Matters
This action removes an individual accused of human rights abuses from the United States, reflecting federal efforts to prevent the country from serving as a refuge for those involved in international war crimes or persecution.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
organizationGuardia Nacional Bolivariana“Venezuelan military branch where Quero Silva served.”organizationCentro para Violadores de Derechos Humanos y Crímenes de Guerra“Federal center focused on human rights violators.”organizationICE“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for the deportation.”personRafael José Quero Silva“Former colonel in the Venezuelan National Guard accused of human rights abuses.”personMatthew Elliston“Director of the ICE Miami ERO office.”organizationFBI Miami“Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami branch involved in the case.”organizationHSI Miami“Homeland Security Investigations Miami branch involved in the case.”