The first deportation flight from the United States to Venezuela has commenced, marking the resumption of repatriation flights following a government agreement. The flight, carrying 199 Venezuelan nationals, made a stop in Honduras. Venezuelan officials express concerns over previous deportations to El Salvador, and there are calls for increased repatriation efforts to assist those detained in the US.
The inaugural flight transporting deported Venezuelan migrants from the United States to Venezuela has successfully launched, following a new agreement between the two governments established on Saturday. The US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs confirmed that the flight made a stop in Honduras for a change of aircraft before continuing its journey.
The US government announced, “Today, deportation flights of Venezuelan illegal aliens to their homeland resumed via Honduras.” They noted that the individuals deported had no legal grounds to remain in the United States, and indicated that they expect a continuous operation of such flights moving forward. They expressed gratitude to Honduran President Castro for cooperation in addressing illegal immigration.
Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Enrique Reina, reported that the flight carried 199 Venezuelan nationals. The transfer was completed in a safe and orderly manner, and the vessel subsequently departed for Venezuela, anticipated to land near Caracas soon. The suspension of repatriation flights had stemmed from a previous revocation of Chevron’s operational license in Venezuela during the Trump administration.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro cited the former US administration’s actions as disruptive to repatriation efforts. Additionally, recent deportations of 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador incited public uproar in Venezuela, leading to accusations by US officials that these individuals were associated with a criminal group, claims contested by the families of the deportees.
On Saturday, Jorge Rodríguez Gómez, President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, reestablished the commitment to resuming repatriations, asserting that “Migration is not a crime”. He emphasized the need for the return of all those requiring assistance, particularly those impacted by the recent deportations.
Despite Venezuela’s lack of diplomatic relations with the US, flight tracking data suggests that deportees were transferred from a Texas charter flight to one heading to Caracas. The White House has not yet commented on the recent events, but Maduro has directed an increase in the repatriation flights for detained Venezuelan migrants in the US.
In conclusion, the resumption of deportation flights from the United States to Venezuela marks a significant development in the ongoing migration issue between the two nations. This action follows an agreement aimed at facilitating the safe repatriation of Venezuelan nationals and counters previous disruptions related to diplomatic strains. Venezuelan officials have reiterated their commitment to returning their citizens and ensuring their welfare. As operations commence, the international community will be monitoring the implications of these flights on Venezuelan society and its diaspora.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
