Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro denounces the deportation of over 200 individuals to El Salvador by the U.S. as a “kidnapping,” claiming they are innocent. Maduro plans to request their return supported by public petitions. He emphasizes defense of rights for deported migrants and criticizes U.S. actions despite allegations linking them to gang activities, which remain unproven publicly.
Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela, has characterized the recent deportation of over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a super-prison in El Salvador by the United States as an act of “kidnapping.” Media reports suggest that Maduro has rejected claims that these individuals are criminals and has called for their repatriation. During a speech to his supporters, he stated that the individuals did not receive fair trial rights and were forcibly sent to El Salvador.
Maduro criticized El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, urging him not to support this alleged kidnapping. He articulated that the deported individuals were deceived and handcuffed before their removal to what he referred to as a “concentration camp.” To press his stance, Maduro announced that Venezuela would issue an official request for the return of the deportees, supported by a petition bearing millions of signatures from Venezuelan citizens.
In response to the deportations, which have incited significant protests in Venezuela, many citizens demonstrated in Caracas, expressing solidarity with the deportees and asserting that they were innocent of any criminal affiliations. Furthermore, Maduro pledged that his administration would enhance efforts to repatriate Venezuelan migrants detained in the United States, guaranteeing them a return marked by respect and dignity.
The deportations were executed under the directives of President Trump, who alleged ties between the individuals and the Tren de Aragua gang, a group involved in severe criminal activities. This group was recently designated by the Trump administration as a foreign terrorist organization. Trump previously invoked the Alien Enemies Act to sanction the deportations, maintaining that the United States was combating an “invasion” of illegal migrants.
Despite justifications from U.S. authorities, the White House has not provided substantial evidence linking the deportees to criminal enterprises. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) asserts that it conducted a thorough review of each individual’s profile; however, the identities of those deported remain undisclosed.
The deportation of Venezuelan individuals to El Salvador has stirred significant controversy and backlash, especially from Venezuelan authorities. President Maduro’s condemnation reflects broader concerns around human rights and due process. Despite claims of criminal affiliations, the lack of concrete evidence and the public outcry from Venezuelans highlight the complexities of the issues at hand, including immigration and national security. The situation continues to evolve as Maduro seeks the return of the deportees alongside a strong public support movement.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
