Two former Venezuelan National Guard officers, who are accused of bombing the Spanish Embassy and the Colombian Consulate in Caracas in early 2003, are facing deportation. They both deny the charges of terrorism. The pair have been in Miami's Krome detention center since Dec. 19, 2003 and have appealed for asylum claiming they would be tortured if deported to their home country.
UPI
In written closing arguments, attorneys for Jose Antonio Colina and German Rodolfo Varela said their clients would be tortured if they returned to Venezuela, The Miami Herald reported Thursday.
Final arguments were filed Wednesday and Immigration Judge Neale Foster is expected to rule within a few weeks.
Homeland Security Department attorneys Gina Garrett-Jackson and Carlos Lopez said the men did not qualify for asylum because there is probable cause to believe they committed the crimes.
If Foster rules for the government, the two men can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. If the judge rules for the pair, they can eventually apply for permanent residence and later on, citizenship is a possibility.
