U.S. Conducts Mass Deportation from Guantánamo Bay to Venezuela via Honduras

The U.S. has deported 177 migrants from Guantánamo Bay to Honduras, intending to transfer them to Venezuela. This action follows a lawsuit regarding detainee rights. The deportees include individuals facing criminal charges and those without records. Additionally, an extradition treaty with the Trump administration has raised concerns about electoral interference in Honduras.

The United States government has transported 177 deportees from Guantánamo Bay to Honduras, with plans for their subsequent return to Venezuela. This action, executed on Thursday, follows a lawsuit from human rights attorneys seeking to access numerous detainees at the U.S. military facility. Earlier, the Honduran government indicated that approximately 170 Venezuelans would arrive from the U.S. and be promptly returned to Venezuela.

Details from a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicated that of the 177 migrants deported, 126 faced criminal charges or had convictions. Notably, 80 of these individuals allegedly had ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, while 51 deportees reportedly had no criminal records. The current deportations occur amidst ongoing legal challenges regarding the rights of migrants detained at Guantánamo.

In response to the deportations, the American Civil Liberties Union initiated legal action last week, claiming that the rights of many immigrants at Guantánamo were not being duly respected. Under the Trump administration, this facility became a destination for detained immigrants considered among the worst offenders, including those labeled as “criminal alien murderers.” However, advocates for human rights have disputed the evidence supporting such claims of criminal activity among detainees.

Among the deportees is Luis Alberto Castillo Rivera, a 23-year-old Venezuelan who was detained seeking asylum near the U.S.-Mexico border. His sister stated emphatically, “He’s innocent,” contesting any affiliation with criminal gangs. The deportations coincided with the announcement from Honduran President Xiomara Castro of an extradition treaty with the Trump administration, aimed at curbing drug trafficking while also addressing migration issues.

Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina confirmed that this agreement would not only facilitate extraditions but also include protective measures regarding upcoming electoral processes. There are concerns that the treaty may be seen as a means of shielding President Castro’s family from legal repercussions, similar to those faced by her predecessor, Juan Orlando Hernández. Despite such controversies, Honduras maintains a complex relationship with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, recognizing his contested electoral victory while navigating diplomatic ties with the U.S.

The U.S. has deported 177 migrants from Guantánamo Bay to Honduras with plans for their return to Venezuela, amidst ongoing legal concerns regarding detainee rights. The deportees include individuals with alleged gang affiliations as well as those without criminal records. This move aligns with a recent extradition treaty, sparking scrutiny over its implications for future elections in Honduras. Concerns persist regarding the treatment and representation of migrants, particularly those seeking asylum.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com