La Barbie Shares Message with Mica Treviño

Edgar Valdez-Villarreal, known as La Barbie, sent me the following statement from federal prison, along with a new unpublished photo. In his own words, he describes what he says is a rare sign of change inside USP Coleman II.

Edgar Valdez-Villarreal, known as “La Barbie,” sent me the following statement from federal prison.

A Message of Hope and Redemption: Deputy Director Josh Smith Inspires Change at USP Coleman 2

“My name is Edgar Valdez-Villerreal, and I want to give full recognition and acknowledgment to one of the most inspirational things I have witnessed throughout my incarceration.

In a world that is quick to criticize, I believe it is important to recognize those who are making a true difference. When it comes to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, I have seen that difference through the efforts of the Trump Administration and Josh Smith.

I was sitting in the front row when Mr. Smith spoke, and I heard his message firsthand. He made it clear that he is offering two choices to incarcerated individuals across the United States of America: the stick or the carrot.

The “stick” represents accountability and being tough on criminal activity such as drugs and violence within institutions. But it was the “carrot” that truly stood out to me and to many others in that room. That is what brought him to our facility: to extend a hand of grace and opportunity to those who are willing to change.

He spoke about rewarding those who demonstrate rehabilitation, who take part in programs, and who are actively preparing themselves to reenter society one day. That message hit home for all of us. For many men in here who have felt forgotten, it was a powerful reminder that change is not only possible, but recognized.

From what I witnessed, doors are beginning to open for us in ways that never have before. There is now a real opportunity to earn our way forward, to be rewarded for our efforts, and to move toward freedom through merit, discipline, and personal growth.

Sitting there in the front row, I did not just hear words—I saw a vision for change. And I can say without hesitation that it inspired me.

I am speaking from firsthand experience, something I witnessed with my own eyes while sitting in the front row. What I saw that day was not just another event or presentation. It was something real, something powerful, something that truly moved every man in that room.

For a long time, many of us in here have felt broken and abandoned. That is the reality of incarceration. But what I witnessed changed the atmosphere. It brought a sense of hope, purpose, and strength that I have not seen in a long time. It empowered everyone in that space.

These were Christians coming from Washington and many other places who did not just come to speak, but to uplift, to connect, and to remind us that we are not forgotten. Sitting there and watching it all unfold firsthand, I felt inspired in a way that is hard to put into words. It reached something deeper, something real that every man in the room could relate to.

Because of that, I felt it was necessary to speak out and say something. People on the outside need to understand what is being done for those of us on the inside. There are real efforts being made to help us rebuild our lives, to give us tools, guidance, and a second chance.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Trump Administration, to Damon Talbot, and to Josh Smith for what they are doing for incarcerated individuals across the country. Their efforts are not going unnoticed.

I also want to say this clearly: Damon Talbot is one of the strongest supporters of the inmates at USP Coleman 2 in his role as Re-entry Coordinator. He is giving us the tools necessary to live faith-based, constructive lives as men preparing to reenter society and reintegrate with our families, from a real and honest perspective that truly resonates with everyone.

From where I sat, in the front row, I can say this without hesitation: what is happening is real. It matters. And it is making a difference in the lives of men who are working every day to become better, to do better, and to return to society with a purpose.

This gave us something many of us have been missing: hope.

In a powerful demonstration of leadership and compassion, Federal Bureau of Prisons Deputy Director Josh Smith continues to make a meaningful impact by prioritizing education, rehabilitation, and incentive-based progress for incarcerated individuals. Through initiatives aligned with the First Step Act and the Second Chance Act, Mr. Smith has focused on expanding programming and rewarding inmates who demonstrate genuine efforts toward self-improvement.

On April 7, 2026, Deputy Director Smith, accompanied by several formerly incarcerated men who were granted clemency under the Trump Administration, visited USP Coleman 2 in Florida as guest speakers. Among those present were Michael Santos, Struggle Jennings, Duke Tanner, Michael Harris, Damon West, Brandon Terrell, Jason Bryant, and Ted Gray.

Their visit brought a renewed sense of hope and inspiration to the inmate population. Many described the experience as transformative, encouraging them to remain committed to personal growth and rehabilitation. The speakers shared powerful testimonies of their journeys from failure to redemption, reinforcing the message that change is possible regardless of one’s past.

A particularly impactful element of the visit was the presence and sincerity of Deputy Director Smith and his staff. Witnessing leadership engage with compassion, pray alongside inmates, and express genuine empathy left a lasting impression. For many, this level of humanity within the criminal justice system was unprecedented.

The event also highlighted the influence of Michael Santos’s Prison Professors program, which has provided inmates with valuable tools, educational resources, and a platform to showcase their progress. Through this program, individuals are empowered to develop the skills necessary for successful reintegration into society.

For the past four years, USP Coleman 2 has faced significant challenges, including staff shortages and extended lockdowns. However, following the Deputy Director’s visit, noticeable changes have occurred. Inmates have been allowed increased access to programming and more time outside their cells, signaling a shift toward a more rehabilitative environment.

One of the most emotional moments of the event came when Deputy Director Smith read the names of five individuals who were granted early release due to their exceptional conduct and commitment to rehabilitation. This act symbolized the real-life impact of merit-based incentives and offered tangible hope to others striving for a second chance.

Out of approximately 1,000 inmates at the facility, only 210 were selected to attend the event—individuals chosen based on strong work ethic, clear conduct records, and high levels of program participation. Being among those selected was described as both an honor and a blessing.

All of the attendees left the gathering with a renewed sense of faith, purpose, and belief in a system that, at its best, recognizes the value of redemption. The visit served as a reminder that meaningful change is possible when leadership, compassion, and opportunity come together.”