Venezuela has restarted repatriation flights from the U.S. with nearly 200 deportees recently arriving in Caracas. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs announced this development, indicating ongoing cooperation with Honduras. Diplomatic tensions persist, particularly in relation to U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and criticisms from both the U.S. and Venezuelan governments regarding migrant treatment.

Venezuela has resumed accepting repatriation flights from the United States, with nearly 200 deportees arriving in Caracas on Monday. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs confirmed that deportation flights are occurring via Honduras, as these individuals were determined to lack legal status in the United States. Continued flights are anticipated as the U.S. collaborates with the Honduran government to address illegal immigration.

Honduras’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique Reina, reported that the flight carried 199 Venezuelan citizens and took approximately three and a half hours. Repatriation efforts had previously stalled after March 8 due to the revocation of a license allowing Chevron to operate in Venezuela, a decision made by the Trump administration.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of potential severe sanctions targeting the Maduro regime unless the government commits to consistent deportation flights without further delays. President Nicolás Maduro criticized the U.S. for its handling of Venezuelan deportees, claiming that recent deportations to El Salvador resembled acts of slavery and called for the protection and return of the affected individuals.

Former President Donald Trump attributed such deportees to the criminal group Tren de Aragua, labeling them as an invading force when he enacted the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Although a federal judge temporarily halted deportations, flights were already underway at the time of the ruling.

Venezuela’s National Assembly President, Jorge Rodríguez Gómez, firmly stated that migration should not be criminalized and emphasized his commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Venezuelans, including those he asserts were unlawfully detained in El Salvador.

Venezuela’s resumption of deportation flights from the United States marks a significant development in immigration enforcement. While nearly 200 deportees returned recently, challenges remain, particularly concerning U.S. sanctions and diplomatic tensions. Both U.S. officials and Venezuelan leaders have expressed their contrasting perspectives on the treatment of these migrants, underlining the complex political landscape surrounding immigration issues.

Original Source: thenationaldesk.com

Related posts:

First Deportation Flight from US to Venezuela Successfully Conducted Rubio Issues Sanction Threat to Venezuela Over Migrant Repatriation Venezuela Resumes Repatriation of Migrants Following US Agreement Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Countries Engaging with Venezuelan Oil and Gas