Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Venezuela will face severe sanctions if it does not accept deported citizens from the U.S. This aligns with the Trump administration’s push for increased deportations amid Venezuela’s economic crisis under Maduro. El Salvador is cooperating in accepting Venezuelan gang members that the U.S. is deporting even against court orders.
Venezuela faces the potential imposition of “severe, and escalating sanctions” if it does not accept its citizens deported from the United States, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This warning coincides with the Trump administration’s push to increase deportations of undocumented Venezuelans and implement a temporary residency program for many, potentially jeopardizing their legal status.
The call for deportation stems from the influx of Venezuelans fleeing economic turmoil under President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian rule. Rubio emphasized that “Venezuela is obligated to accept its repatriated citizens from the U.S.” and made it clear that this issue is not open for negotiation or reward. If the Maduro regime fails to facilitate deportation flights promptly, the U.S. will impose stricter sanctions.
The statement came shortly after Richard Grenell, Trump’s envoy, reported that Maduro had agreed to accept repatriation flights following initial refusal. This is part of a broader strategy, as recent U.S. policy changes have revoked oil export permits to Venezuela due to the government’s failure to enable free elections.
The Trump administration’s immigration strategy includes deporting Venezuelan gang members. A recent incident involved 238 gang members being deported to El Salvador despite a federal judge’s temporary block on such actions. Rubio expressed gratitude to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for accepting these deportees, noting the necessity of such agreements when the Maduro government refuses to take back its citizens.
In summary, the U.S. government, led by Rubio, is poised to intensify sanctions against Venezuela if the country does not accept deported citizens amidst increased deportations of undocumented Venezuelans. The situation is complicated by Venezuela’s declining political climate and rising gang-related issues. Cooperation with nations like El Salvador is critical to manage deportations effectively.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
