Eduardo Daboin Rall, a Venezuelan national who came to the U.S. through legal channels, says he feared the worst when immigration officers placed him and over two dozen others on a bus bound for deportation Friday night — only for the journey to suddenly reverse.
“We thought that was it. I cried,” Daboin Rall told NBC News from the Bluebonnet detention facility in Texas. “I thought I’d never see my wife again or talk to my family.”
Daboin Rall and at least 27 other detainees were told they were being deported to El Salvador, part of a new push under the Trump administration using the Alien Enemies Act to remove individuals allegedly tied to criminal organizations.
In Eduardo’s case, he says he has no such ties — no criminal record, no gang involvement, and no explanation from officials.
The bus was en route to Abilene, where the detainees were scheduled for a removal flight, when the Department of Homeland Security received a call to stop the transfer.
Hours later, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt to the removals amid ongoing legal battles.
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Eduardo, who legally entered the U.S. in 2023 under the CBP One parole program, says he’s consistently followed all ICE and court procedures. “I’ve never missed an appointment. I’ve followed every rule,” he said.
He and others were handed removal papers — written only in English. “They didn’t explain the document,” he said. “We were told it was about the Alien Enemies Act, but we refused to sign.”
His wife, Judy, says ICE never linked Eduardo to any gang until his sudden detention on March 18. Even his tattoos, which ICE had previously reviewed, were peaceful symbols tied to family and personal identity.
With no criminal history, Daboin Rall and his family remain in limbo, waiting for answers — and justice.
