Venezuela is resuming repatriation flights for its deported nationals after an agreement with the Trump administration. The flights were initially agreed upon in February but were halted in March due to disputes. Venezuelan officials emphasize the importance of safeguarding human rights during repatriation, despite ongoing legal challenges surrounding the deportations.
Venezuela is set to resume repatriation flights for its nationals deported by the United States, following an agreement with the Trump administration. Although initial arrangements were made in February, President Nicolás Maduro suspended the flights in March due to a disagreement with the U.S. government. Maduro announced the resumption of flights during a televised address, stating that it would assist in repatriating Venezuelan migrants from U.S. prisons.
The lack of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the U.S. complicated these proceedings. Richard Grenell, special envoy to Trump, initially facilitated a deal for Venezuelan nationals, including gang members, to be repatriated. Trump confirmed the agreement in a Truth Social post, wherein he stated that Venezuela would accept all undocumented Venezuelans in the U.S. and handle their transportation back home.
However, Maduro paused deportation flights following a suspension of Chevron’s license to export oil from Venezuela by the U.S. Treasury Department. On March 15, the Trump administration deported 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador, where they faced detention. The identities and criminal histories of these individuals have not been disclosed.
Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s national assembly, responded to concerns about migrants held in El Salvador, affirming the country’s commitment to ensure the return of its citizens while safeguarding their human rights. He emphasized the notion that migration is not a crime and expressed the intent to bring back those wishing to return.
In legal proceedings, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to support the deportations, which led to a lawsuit attempting to block the flights. A federal judge in Washington, DC, sought to halt the deportations and demanded further information from governmental representatives. Despite this, flights proceeded to El Salvador, with President Nayib Bukele indicating that judicial intervention arrived too late; the White House denies any wrongdoing regarding the court’s order.
The agreement between Venezuela and the Trump administration signifies a crucial step in the repatriation of Venezuelan nationals previously deported from the United States. While the continuation of flights aims to prioritize human rights during the repatriation process, legal challenges are expected to persist. The situation highlights the complex interplay between immigration policies, diplomacy, and international humanitarian considerations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
