The first deportation flight of Venezuelan migrants from the U.S. has successfully departed, halted briefly in Honduras. The U.S. confirmed the return of 199 Venezuelans following an agreement with Honduras for repatriation flights, which had faced delays. Venezuelan officials are advocating for the humane treatment of migrants while addressing the political implications of recent deportations.

The first repatriation flight transporting Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States has commenced, following a recent agreement between the two nations. The flight was confirmed to have departed from the U.S., making a stop in Honduras for a plane change before continuing to Venezuela. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs noted, “Today, deportation flights of Venezuelan illegal aliens to their homeland resumed via Honduras.”

According to Honduras’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, 199 Venezuelan citizens were on board this flight, which transferred in a secured manner. Enrique Reina reported that the operation took three and a half hours, leading the Venezuelan-flagged vessel to depart for Venezuela where it is expected to arrive shortly.

Repatriation efforts had stalled previously due to a revocation of a license affecting U.S. operations in Venezuela, leading to tensions and threats of sanctions from the Trump administration. Recent deportations included 238 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador, reported to face dire conditions, which intensified the outcry in Venezuela.

Responding to the controversy, Jorge Rodríguez Gómez, President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, declared the agreement to resume flights, stating, “Migration is not a crime, and we will not rest until we achieve the return of all those who need it.” The resumption comes as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged an increase in repatriation flight frequency for detained migrants in the U.S.

Additionally, it has been indicated that diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela remain absent, complicating the repatriation process. Tracking data confirmed the transfer of deportees occurred from a Texas charter flight to a plane heading for Caracas.

The resumption of deportation flights from the United States to Venezuela marks a significant policy shift, driven by recent agreements between the two countries. The recent flight included 199 Venezuelans returning to their homeland after legal disputes hindered prior repatriations. Amid critiques and vocal protests, Venezuelan officials emphasize the importance of migration as a human right. The move indicates a renewed effort to manage migration issues as both nations navigate complex political landscapes.

Original Source: www.cnn.com

Related posts:

Venezuela Resumes Repatriation of Migrants Following U.S. Agreement Venezuela to Reopen Repatriation Flights for Deportees After U.S. Agreement Venezuela Resumes Repatriation of Migrants Following US Agreement Venezuela Resumes Repatriation Flights from the United States with Nearly 200 Deportees