Alejo Arias, a 26-year-old from Rivadavia, Mendoza, finally stepped back into the comfort of his home after enduring a harrowing 23-month detainment in El Salvador under the strict prison regime governed by Nayib Bukele. The weight of uncertainty and isolation lifted off his shoulders during a judicial hearing when he learned about his impending release and deportation back to Argentina, marking the end of a nearly two-year ordeal. Alejo’s defense attorney, Miguel Ángel Pierri, shed light on the legal proceedings, stating that Alejo accepted responsibility which led to his sentence being commuted.
“After all this time detained since July 14, 2023, and with the sentence commutation granted due to surpassing the imposed years behind bars, he could reclaim his freedom,”
Pierri explained.
The long-awaited return unfolded as Alejo landed at Ezeiza Airport in Buenos Aires amid emotional embraces from his parents Mauricio and Sandra. Following some much-needed rest in a Buenos Aires hotel and discussions with Foreign Ministry officials, the family embarked on their journey to Mendoza where a heartfelt welcome awaited them at El Plumerillo Airport. Among those eagerly waiting were Alejo’s grandparents, uncles, cousins, friends—and most notably—his sister Agostina.
In moments like these where words fall short, gestures speak volumes. With “Todos por Alejo
” signs waving high and everyone donning t-shirts adorned with his image—it was a scene brimming with love and relief as they enveloped him back into their fold.
Though grateful for the unwavering support of family members, legal counsel and consular authorities who championed his cause for freedom restoration—Alejo remains reticent about delving into details surrounding his imprisonment citing adherence to local laws amidst El Salvador’s state of exception under Bukele’s governance.
“
In that place one loses happiness… Being told I was being set free felt like being reborn,
” Alejo confessed during an emotional press interaction reflecting on days fraught with solitude in an unfamiliar land where fears loomed large over reuniting with loved ones again.
His mother Sandra shared how they sought intervention from Javier Milei’s government officials including Defense Minister Luis Petri advocating for their son’s innocence—a quest that culminated in what she describes as nothing short of divine intervention: “
We knew this had to end someday. God granted us this miracle.
”
As conversations unfold around what lies ahead post-incarceration—Alejo expresses eagerness to savor simple joys like relishing a barbecue cooked by his father or indulging in empanadas crafted by his grandmother; luxuries once taken for granted but now cherished deeply.
“
I have my goals and projects but it will unfold gradually… For now, I want to revel in family time,
” he stated wistfully hinting at plans to rebuild life’s tapestry one thread at a time—not ruling out prospects of working abroad again eventually—but emphasizing prudence when considering opportunities beyond borders based on personal experiences.
In parting advice shaped by lived wisdom against hasty decisions regarding overseas job offers—Alejo cautions aspiring migrants: “
Don’t hastily accept proposals without thorough evaluation… Take things slow.”
With each passing moment post-release offering renewed hope and newfound appreciation for life’s simplest pleasures—the narrative of resilience embodied by Alejo Arias serves as both cautionary tale and testament to unwavering familial bonds weathering tumultuous storms.
