CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela has agreed to resume repatriation flights from the United States for deported nationals, following an agreement reached between the two countries. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had previously suspended flights back in March after the U.S. Treasury Department withdrew Chevron’s license to export Venezuelan oil. However, Venezuelan officials announced on social media that an agreement had been reached with the U.S. government to allow the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants.
President of Venezuela’s Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, stated that the decision to resume repatriation flights was made in order to ensure the safe return of Venezuelan migrants to their home country while protecting their human rights. The initial flight was scheduled to take place on Sunday. Rodríguez also referenced the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador by the previous U.S. administration.
During a public event, President Maduro confirmed the resumption of flights meant to rescue and release Venezuelan migrants from U.S. prisons. He also held the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, responsible for the well-being of the deported Venezuelans in his country. The U.S. government had accused the deported individuals of being part of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the Department of State had designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
Maduro’s government had previously been resistant to accepting immigrants deported from the U.S., particularly as deportations increased during the Trump administration. The deportees, included individuals who were sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with the U.S. administration claiming they were members of Tren de Aragua. However, evidence supporting these claims has been limited.
The resumption of repatriation flights signifies a step towards addressing the complex issue of deportations and immigration in the region. The agreement between Venezuela and the U.S. showcases a diplomatic effort to navigate the challenges posed by deportations while upholding human rights. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how this agreement will impact the treatment of deported individuals and the broader immigration policies in the region.