Venezuela is set to resume accepting flights carrying its citizens who have been deported by the United States. This decision comes after a pause in repatriation flights that began on March 8. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, announced that these flights could start again as early as Sunday. He emphasized that "migration is not a crime," highlighting the ongoing discussions between Venezuelan officials and U.S. authorities regarding immigration matters.
Rodríguez’s announcement follows a series of deportations that occurred earlier this month. The U.S. government deported 238 Venezuelans, claiming many were linked to a violent gang. This operation has drawn scrutiny, with a federal judge questioning the legal basis for the deportations, particularly those carried out under the Alien Enemies Act. According to U.S. officials, 137 of those deported were sent back under this act, while the remaining 101 were deported through regular immigration procedures.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been vocal about the deportations, asserting that the migrants were kidnapped and calling for their return. He has also expressed concern over the treatment of Venezuelans sent to El Salvador, where they were reportedly transferred to a mega-prison.
The resumption of flights seems to be a response to pressure from U.S. officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the Trump administration would impose stricter sanctions on Venezuela unless it resumed accepting deported migrants. This situation is part of a broader context of strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, especially after the Trump administration canceled a permit that allowed Chevron to operate in Venezuela, which is a significant source of revenue for the country.
The White House has not yet commented on the latest developments regarding the repatriation flights. As Venezuela prepares to welcome back its citizens, the implications of these deportations and the ongoing negotiations between the two countries remain a critical issue.