Resumption of U.S. Deportation Flights to Venezuela Signals New Diplomatic Deal
U.S. deportation flights to Venezuela have resumed, with a recent flight bringing back 199 migrants. The flights were previously suspended due to tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela regarding sanctions. A deal was struck to restart the flights, with Venezuelan officials emphasizing the return of their nationals and addressing concerns over migrants sent to El Salvador.
The United States has resumed deportation flights to Venezuela, with the inaugural flight transporting 199 Venezuelan migrants arriving at Maiquetía International Airport on Monday. The flight came from Honduras after the migrants were deported from the U.S., as confirmed by Diosdado Cabello, the Interior Minister of Venezuela. Cabello described the returnees as “199 compatriots, 199 Venezuelan colleagues returning to their homeland.”
This flight follows an agreement reached between U.S. and Venezuelan officials to restart repatriation efforts after a two-week hiatus caused by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s suspension of the flights. Maduro halted the receptions after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to rescind Chevron’s license to export oil from Venezuela, an action that he claimed “affected” the deportation process.
After diplomatic discussions, Venezuelan officials declared that an accord had been made to resume the flights. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s Assembly, announced the decision on social media, stating, “We have agreed with the US government to resume the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants with an initial flight tomorrow, Sunday, March 23.” He also criticized the Trump administration for deporting approximately 250 Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador, labeling some of them as members of the Tren de Aragua gang—allegations made without evidence by Trump.
Rodríguez firmly asserted, “Migrating is not a crime and we will not rest until we achieve the return of all those who require it and until we rescue our brothers kidnapped in El Salvador.” Furthermore, Maduro expressed his discontent regarding the treatment of deported Venezuelans in El Salvador, directly holding President Nayib Bukele responsible for their safety and well-being, urging for their release as they were unjustly detained.
The resumption of U.S. deportation flights to Venezuela marks a significant development in diplomatic relations between the two nations. The deal allows for the return of migrants who had been deported from the United States, amid tensions surrounding U.S. sanctions on Venezuela. The situation remains critical as both nations navigate the implications of this agreement, alongside the humanitarian concerns for the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador.
Original Source: news.az
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