Nicolás Maduro condemned the U.S. deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, calling it a “kidnapping” and asserting their innocence. He plans to formally request their return with widespread public support. The deportation, linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as protests erupted in Caracas demanding justice for those deported.
The leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, has criticized the United States’ recent deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, labeling it a “kidnapping.” He asserted that these individuals are not criminals and voiced his support for their repatriation. During a speech to his supporters, Maduro declared, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping, because our boys did not commit any crime in the United States, none.”
Maduro further claimed that the deported individuals were denied their legal rights, including due process, and were unjustly treated as they were sent to a notorious prison known for inhumane conditions. He expressed that the Venezuelan government would seek the return of these deportees by submitting an official request supported by millions of signatures from Venezuelan citizens.
The deportation occurred under an agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador, with President Donald Trump invoking a historical law to justify the expulsions of 238 migrants, asserting that they are connected to the Tren de Aragua gang. This action has escalated tensions between Venezuela and the U.S., with Maduro contending that the detainees were wrongfully categorized as criminals.
In response to the deportations, protests erupted in Caracas, where relatives of the deportees insisted on their innocence. Maduro endorsed these demands, stating, “I celebrate that millions of men and women from Venezuela have come out to support the families of these young Venezuelans.”
Despite allegations against the deported individuals, the U.S. government has not provided substantial evidence to support their claims of criminal association. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintains that it followed proper procedures in reviewing the cases of those deported. Furthermore, Maduro announced plans to enhance repatriation efforts, promising support and dignity for returning migrants.
In summary, Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, characterizing it as unlawful and demanding their return. This situation highlights significant political tensions between the two nations as Maduro’s government seeks to rally support for the affected individuals and contest the U.S.’s criminal allegations. As both countries navigate this diplomatic conflict, the humanitarian implications of these deportations remain a critical concern for Venezuelan citizens and human rights advocates.
Original Source: www.cnn.com