Venezuela has agreed to resume deportation flights for its nationals from the U.S. after a suspension instituted by Nicolás Maduro. Jorge Rodríguez confirmed the first flight will occur soon while stressing the importance of human rights. The deal follows controversial past deportations under Trump and accusations against deportees, which remain largely unproven. Maduro holds El Salvador accountable for the well-being of these individuals that were sent there.

Venezuela has reached an agreement with the United States to resume deportation flights for its nationals after a pause since March 8. This suspension followed the U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to revoke Chevron’s license to export Venezuelan oil. Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s Assembly and chief negotiator, announced that an initial flight would take place on Sunday, emphasizing the commitment to safeguard the human rights of returning citizens.

Rodríguez condemned previous deportations carried out by former President Trump’s administration, which involved sending several hundred Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador. He asserted that migrating is not a crime, pledging to recover those still detained and advocating for the release of Venezuelans in El Salvador, labeling them as being “kidnapped.”

During a public event, President Nicolás Maduro confirmed the resumption of the repatriation flights, reinforcing the need to protect Venezuelan migrants by stating, “We are resuming flights to rescue and release migrants from U.S. prisons.” Furthermore, he addressed Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, making it clear that he is responsible for the welfare of deported Venezuelans, demanding their safety and eventual return.

Trump previously characterized the deportees as associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, declaring them an invading force under the Alien Enemies Act. Although a federal judge temporarily halted the deportations, flights are reported to have occurred despite the ruling. The Tren de Aragua group, recognized by the U.S. State Department as a foreign terrorist organization, formed during the Venezuelan prison crisis, resulting in an exodus driven by deteriorating living conditions in Venezuela.

Reports indicated that the Trump administration could not substantiate claims against the deportees. A list from CBS News identified 238 Venezuelan men deported on recent flights, highlighting that while some were regarded as “enemy aliens,” others were deported through conventional immigration processes. Furthermore, at least one individual who was deported has no criminal history, indicating that evidence against the group remains insufficient.

Despite ongoing deportations from the U.S., Maduro’s government had largely refused to accept returning Venezuelan immigrants, especially as the frequency of these deportations escalated under the Trump administration. Recent weeks have seen approximately 350 Venezuelans sent back, including individuals who spent time at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay.

In conclusion, Venezuela has reached a significant agreement with the U.S. to resume deportation flights for its nationals, emphasizing respect for human rights in the repatriation process. Both President Maduro and Jorge Rodríguez strongly advocate for the protection and return of Venezuelans who have faced contentious deportations. However, the situation raises concerns regarding the treatment of deportees, with insufficient substantiation of claims against them and ongoing debates about their welfare.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com

Related posts:

Venezuela Agrees to Reaccept Deportation Flights from the United States Venezuela Resumes Repatriation of Migrants Following U.S. Agreement Venezuela to Resume Repatriation of Migrants After U.S. Agreement Venezuela Resumes Repatriation of Migrants After U.S. Agreement