Venezuela has reached an agreement to accept deportation flights from the U.S. after previously suspending them. Jorge Rodríguez stated the goal is to protect the human rights of returning nationals. The deportations, particularly under the Trump administration, have been contentious due to allegations related to the Tren de Aragua gang, yet evidence supporting these claims is weak. Recent flights have significantly increased, reflecting changing diplomatic dynamics.
Venezuela has agreed to resume deportation flights from the United States, signifying an important diplomatic shift. This decision comes after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro temporarily halted flights on March 8, following U.S. Treasury Department actions against Chevron’s oil exports. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s Assembly, announced the agreement on social media, confirming a flight would occur soon. He emphasized the government’s commitment to human rights and aiding Venezuelan nationals repatriated from abroad.
Rodríguez highlighted the significance of the agreement, asserting that “migrating is not a crime” and pledging to secure the return of all Venezuelans needing assistance. Maduro reiterated this commitment during a public event, declaring, “We are resuming flights to rescue and release migrants from U.S. prisons.” He also called for the cooperation of El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, ensuring the safety of deported Venezuelans in the country.
The deportations during the Trump administration have been contentious, with some Venezuelans alleged to be linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, labeled by Trump as an invasive force. Critics note that the administration has failed to provide substantiated evidence regarding these allegations. A federal judge even temporarily stopped these deportations, although flights had already commenced.
Recent deportation flights included 238 Venezuelan men, with officials stating that 137 were classified as “enemy aliens” under an old law. Among those deported, CBS News discovered that at least one individual had no criminal record in the U.S. or Venezuela. The Trump administration’s assertion that these deportees are members of Tren de Aragua is under scrutiny, as evidence supporting these claims remains weak. Since Trump’s inauguration, U.S. deportations of Venezuelan nationals have increased significantly, with several individuals having spent time at Guantanamo Bay.
Despite a significant uptick in deportations initiated under the previous U.S. administration, Maduro’s government had largely rejected accepting these deported immigrants until this recent deal was reached.
Venezuela’s acceptance of U.S. deportation flights marks a notable diplomatic agreement aimed at assisting its nationals abroad. Despite the complex backdrop involving allegations against deportees and increasing deportations under the Trump administration, Venezuela asserts commitments to human rights for its returning citizens. Continued scrutiny of the motivations behind these deportations remains essential as Venezuela seeks to regain control over the narrative regarding its citizens abroad.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
