Diplomatic Dispute Between the U.S. and Venezuela Over Deportation Flights

Elections Politics CONGRESS, CUBA, DI, DONALD TRUMP, HURRICANE BERYL, LEGAL ISSUES, MADURO, MIGRATION, NICOLÁS MADURO, NORTH AMERICA, ORGANIZED CRIME, POLITICS, RODRIGUEZ, SOUTH AMERICA, TREN DE ARA, UNITED STATES, US, US DEPARTMENT OF STATE, US STATE DEPARTMENT, VENEZUELA, WASHINGTON Omar El-Sharif March 21, 2025

Diplomatic Dispute Between the U.S. and Venezuela Over Deportation Flights

A diplomatic dispute erupted between the U.S. and Venezuela concerning the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants, with the U.S. denying claims of flight operations while Venezuela accuses the Trump administration of obstructing deportation processes. The conflict escalated following the arrival of a flight transporting deported Venezuelans from Mexico to Caracas, with significant remarks from both U.S. and Venezuelan officials.

On Thursday, the United States and Venezuela engaged in a diplomatic confrontation regarding deportations. This disagreement arose following the arrival of an aircraft carrying deported Venezuelans, which had departed from Mexico. The incident corresponds with United States President Donald Trump’s efforts to expedite the expulsion of migrants, as reported by Reuters.

Earlier that day, 311 Venezuelans were transported from Mexico to Caracas after previously residing in the United States. However, the US Department of State’s Western Hemisphere office refuted Argentina’s claims regarding the validity of these repatriation flights, asserting that President Nicolás Maduro’s government was disseminating false information.

In a statement, the US government expressed, “Despite media reports, repatriation flights to Venezuela via Mexico are not taking place today. Maduro must stop misleading and schedule consistent, weekly repatriation flights.” This assertion was made mere moments before the arrival of the flight in Venezuela.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello revealed that the flight had increased the number of deported migrants to 920. He asserted that this operation was conducted under a direct agreement with the Mexican government, although he did not disclose further specifics.

Jorge Rodriguez, President of Venezuela’s Congress, contended that they were prepared to restore direct flights from the United States but accused U.S. officials of hindering this process. He stated, “We have everything in place to resume flights… The only thing preventing these flights is the US State Department.”

Additionally, last weekend, the United States deported over 200 individuals believed to be members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang back to El Salvador. These deportees are currently being held in a disputed prison facility, despite concerns raised by a U.S. judge regarding the legality of their deportation.

In summary, the recent diplomatic clash between the United States and Venezuela centers on contradictory claims regarding deportation flights, highlighting ongoing tensions over migration policies. The U.S. government has firmly denied Venezuela’s assertions of repatriation operations while Venezuela maintains that they have reached agreements with Mexico. This dispute not only reflects the complexities of international relations but also underscores pressing issues concerning migrant deportation and treatment.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com