The diplomatic clash between the US and Venezuela arose over the alleged deportation flights from Mexico. The US denied the existence of these flights, while Venezuela claimed they were obstructed by Washington. Venezuelan officials reported a recent flight with deported migrants and blamed the US for hindering the resumption of direct flights. The situation reflects ongoing tensions in US-Venezuela relations over migration and deportation policies.
A recent diplomatic dispute has arisen between the United States and Venezuela regarding the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. This clash intensified on Thursday when an aircraft transporting deported Venezuelans arrived in Venezuela after a departure from Mexico. This event unfolded as part of an apparent initiative by President Donald Trump to expedite the expulsion of migrants from the US, according to reports by Reuters.
On the same day, 311 Venezuelans were flown from Mexico to Caracas. However, the US Department of State’s Western Hemisphere office refuted claims made by President Nicolás Maduro’s administration, asserting that repatriation flights were not occurring. The US government criticized Maduro for allegedly spreading misinformation and urged him to facilitate regular repatriation flights.
Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, stated that the recent flight had increased the total number of deported Venezuelan migrants to 920, claiming the operation was carried out through an agreement with the Mexican government but lacking specific details. Additionally, Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela’s Congress, expressed frustration, suggesting that any potential direct flights from the United States were being hindered by US officials.
In a concurrent development, the United States deported over 200 individuals affiliated with the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang to El Salvador last weekend. These deportees are currently housed in a contentious prison facility, which has faced legal scrutiny from a US judge regarding the legitimacy of the deportation process.
The diplomatic tension between the United States and Venezuela highlights significant challenges in managing deportations and migrant repatriation. The US government maintains that reports of repatriation flights are false and accuses the Maduro government of disseminating misleading information. Conversely, officials from Venezuela assert their readiness to establish direct flights and attribute the delays to US intervention. This unfolding situation underscores the complexity of relations and the handling of migrant issues between the two nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com