Venezuela will resume accepting deportation flights from the United States after reaching an agreement, following the suspension of such flights due to prior diplomatic tensions. This decision, announced by Jorge Rodríguez, aims to prioritize the human rights of repatriated Venezuelans and addresses concerns over previous deportations related to gang affiliations. Reports on recent deportations indicate a lack of evidence for criminal allegations against many deportees.

Venezuela has reached an agreement with the United States to resume deportation flights for its repatriated nationals, ending a halt that began on March 8. According to Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s Assembly and chief negotiator, the first flight is scheduled for Sunday. Rodríguez emphasized that this agreement ensures the return of Venezuelans while preserving their human rights.

President Nicolás Maduro reaffirmed the resumption of deportation flights, framing it as a measure to assist migrants in U.S. prisons. He also placed the responsibility for the welfare of Venezuelan deportees on El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, insisting on their prompt release. Rodríguez noted the historical context of previous deportations under President Trump, where many Venezuelans were sent to a high-security facility in El Salvador.

The Trump administration previously labeled the deportees as affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang. However, claims regarding their criminal affiliations have faced scrutiny, as no substantial evidence has been provided to support these accusations. Documentation revealed that some individual deportees, including those with no prior criminal records, faced deportation as “enemy aliens” under an 18th-century law.

Historically, Maduro’s government has resisted the acceptance of deportees from the U.S., particularly as the rate of deportations has escalated since Trump assumed office in January 2017. Recent reports indicate that approximately 350 individuals were repatriated to Venezuela in recent weeks, further complicating the issues surrounding these deportation flights.

Venezuela’s agreement to accept deportation flights from the U.S. highlights ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns related to the treatment of deported nationals. The Maduro administration’s commitment to safeguard the rights of its citizens contrasts sharply with the historical deportation practices under the Trump administration. The situation remains nuanced, as allegations against deportees necessitate further investigation to ascertain the true circumstances of their removal.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com

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