DHS sets record straight after Venezuelan government claims children of TdA gang members were 'kidnapped'

DHS says information media outlets and the Venezuelan government are spreading about children being taken away from parents is false.

The child in question's father, Maiker Espinoza-Escalona, is a lieutenant of Tren De Aragua who oversees homicides, drug sales, kidnappings, extortion, sex trafficking and operates a torture house, the agency said. "Due to the violent criminal activities of the parents, including operating a torture house, sex trafficking and kidnapping, the child was removed from their custody. We will not allow this child to be abused and continue to be exposed to criminal activity that endangers her safety."  — Senior DHS official

DHS added that, in addition to the father, the child’s mother, Yorely Escarleth Bernal Inciarte, oversees the recruitment of young women for drug smuggling and prostitution.