Venezuelan President Maduro condemns U.S. deportations of migrants, labeling it “kidnapping”. He demands their return, asserting they are not criminals, and protests have occurred in Caracas. Relations between the U.S. and Venezuela are strained further as Maduro collects public support and organizes repatriation efforts.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the United States for deporting over 200 Venezuelan migrants to a high-security prison in El Salvador, labeling the act as a “kidnapping.” He emphasized that these deported individuals are not criminals and called for their safe return to Venezuela. During his address, he criticized El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for his role in the deportation, insisting that the deportees were misled and stripped of their rights to due process.
Since Maduro took office in 2013, he has maintained strict control over Venezuela. He announced plans to send an official request to El Salvador for the deportees’ return, gathering millions of signatures from Venezuelans to support this demand. The deportation, which involved President Donald Trump invoking an old wartime law to send 238 Venezuelans back, has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, following a court ruling that attempted to halt the deportations.
Trump defended the deportations by claiming that the migrants were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, branding them as part of a larger “invasion” of migrants. In addition to Venezuelans, 23 Salvadorans were also deported, sent to a notorious prison known for its harsh treatment. Human rights organizations have condemned the conditions in the facility, citing them as inhumane and a violation of basic rights.
In response to the deportations, protests erupted in Caracas, with demonstrators asserting the innocence of their deported loved ones and calling for their return. Maduro expressed solidarity with these families, celebrating the widespread support for their cause. Additionally, he accused the U.S. of failing to provide evidence of any criminal involvement by those deported, despite the serious allegations.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has defended the operation, stating they verified connections to criminal organizations. However, the identities of those deported remain undisclosed. Some Venezuelan deportees claim wrongful targeting based on appearances or affiliations rather than actual criminal activity. In light of these events, Maduro announced an increase in repatriation flights for Venezuelans detained in the U.S., aiming to restore dignity and support for the returning citizens.
The deportation of Venezuelan migrants by the U.S. has escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas, facing strong condemnation from President Maduro. He asserts the deported individuals are innocent and has mobilized public support for their return. The situation highlights concerns regarding human rights, due process, and the treatment of migrants in detention facilities, while ICE maintains that the deportations were justified. Ultimately, these developments could significantly impact diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
