The author documented the lives of five Venezuelan families whose sons were imprisoned in El Salvador. Mireya Sandia's son, Wilmer Vega Sandia, migrated to the U.S. seeking better opportunities. His detention and subsequent deportation to CECOT prison in El Salvador prompted the author's investigation. The author witnessed the families' struggles, their protests in Caracas, and their fluctuating hopes for their loved ones' return. Families like Lina Ramos and Crisálida Bastidas faced financial hardship and emotional strain due to the imprisonments. Despite initial setbacks in negotiations, the men were eventually repatriated to Venezuela. The reunions were often bittersweet, with families celebrating but also recognizing the trauma the men had endured. The returned individuals had lost possessions and faced immense psychological scars, struggling to reintegrate into a Venezuela they had left years prior. The experience served as a sobering moment for many Venezuelans who had sought refuge in the U.S., highlighting the ongoing challenges and uncertainty of their future.