Venezuela has struck a deal with the U.S. to resume deportation flights of Venezuelan nationals, suspended earlier due to sanctions. Venezuelan officials assure the protection of human rights in the repatriation process. This agreement raises concerns over prior deportations and allegations of gang affiliations among deportees without substantial evidence.
Venezuela has reached an agreement with the United States to resume deportation flights for Venezuelan nationals, an announcement made by Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s Assembly. This follows the suspension of such flights on March 8 after the U.S. Treasury revoked Chevron’s oil export license from Venezuela. The initial flight is set for Sunday, with assurances that the rights of returning citizens will be safeguarded.
Rodríguez emphasized the Venezuelan government’s commitment to the safe return of its citizens, stating that migrating does not constitute a crime. He highlighted a troubling history of deportations during the Trump administration, specifically noting the removal of several hundred Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador. Rodríguez pledged to continue advocating for the release of Venezuelans held abroad.
During a public event, President Nicolás Maduro reaffirmed the resumption of deportation flights, characterizing them as essential for rescuing Venezuelan migrants from U.S. prisons. He also indicated that he holds the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, responsible for the welfare of the deported individuals, whom he described as “kidnapped.”
Amid these developments, former President Donald Trump labeled the deportees as associated with the Tren de Aragua gang, a claim made under the Alien Enemies Act. However, Trump’s administration has provided scant evidence of criminality among the deportees. A federal judge temporarily halted some deportations, yet operations continued even when the ruling was issued.
Reports reveal that recent deportations included individuals sent to El Salvador, with over 200 assessed as “enemy aliens.” Such classifications have drawn scrutiny as some deportees, like a young barber, lacked any criminal record. Historically, Maduro’s government has resisted accepting deported immigrants, though numbers have surged since Trump took office, with one notable instance involving Venezuelans temporarily held at Guantanamo Bay. Critics argue that further evidence is necessary to substantiate claims of gang affiliation among the deportees.
In summary, Venezuela has agreed to accept deportation flights from the United States, reinstating a process briefly halted due to political tensions. The Venezuelan government underscores the importance of safeguarding the human rights of its returning nationals while addressing the complex implications of past deportations. As the situation unfolds, scrutiny remains over the justification of deportation practices under claims of gang affiliation without substantial evidence.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
