Venezuela has agreed to accept deportation flights from the U.S. for its nationals, resuming operations after a prior suspension in March. The decision, emphasized by top officials, aims to protect the human rights of deported migrants. Criticism surrounding deportation practices under the Trump administration persists due to allegations lacking substantial evidence.
Venezuela has reached an agreement with the United States to accept deportation flights for its nationals, as confirmed by a Venezuelan official via social media. This decision follows the suspension of such flights by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in March, in response to the U.S. Treasury Department’s withdrawal of Chevron’s license to export oil from Venezuela.
Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly and chief negotiator with the U.S., announced that repatriation flights would resume, starting with an initial flight scheduled for Sunday. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the human rights of returning Venezuelans following their deportation.
Rodríguez also referenced previous deportations under the Trump administration, noting that President Trump had sent several Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador. He reiterated that migrating is not a crime and expressed a commitment to facilitating the return of all returning nationals.
During a public event, President Maduro confirmed the resumption of deportation flights, stating that their purpose is to rescue Venezuelan migrants from U.S. detention. He held El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele accountable for the treatment of Venezuelans that had been deported.
The Trump administration previously alleged that deported individuals were affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. Nonetheless, there is no substantial evidence linking deportees to this claim, with a federal judge temporarily halting such deportations shortly after they began.
Recent reports detailed the deportation of at least 238 Venezuelan men, with varying legal classifications, including some labeled as “enemy aliens.” Critics argue that deportees often lacked criminal records in the United States and may be unjustly categorized under the Trump administration’s policies. The resumption of flights marks a turning point in Venezuelan-American relations regarding migration.
This article outlines Venezuela’s renewed agreement with the United States for the deportation of its nationals after a previous suspension. Key figures stressed the importance of human rights for returning migrants and criticized past deportation practices under the Trump administration. The lack of solid evidence linking deportees to criminal activities raises concerns about the fairness of these procedures. As repatriation flights resume, the response of the Venezuelan government to these deportations will be closely monitored.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
