Maduro Claims U.S. Sanctions Disrupt Deportation Flights Amid Economic Fallout

Nicolás Maduro stated that the revocation of Chevron’s oil license by the Trump administration has disrupted scheduled deportation flights from the U.S. This action has created internal clashes within the Trump administration and is projected to have significant economic repercussions for Venezuela. Maduro criticized the decision while framing it as part of a broader struggle against imperialism, with Ecuador’s President condemning the regime’s lack of empathy towards Venezuelan migrants.

Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s president, stated that recent actions by the Trump administration, particularly the revocation of Chevron’s oil license, have negatively impacted deportation flights from the United States. These flights were intended to repatriate Venezuelans detained in the U.S., a program viewed as a goodwill gesture towards the administration. Maduro expressed concern, stating, “Now, we have a little problem because what they did has damaged the communications we had opened.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Venezuelan government warned the U.S. that it would halt acceptance of deportation flights following the license revocation. This decision has created a rift within the Trump administration, as some factions sought to maintain a business presence in Venezuela, while others advocated for stricter measures against Maduro. The return of Venezuelan migrants formed a crucial part of the Trump administration’s deportation strategy, given that Venezuelans represent a notable proportion of unauthorized migrants in the U.S.

The Trump administration justified the revocation by pointing to Venezuela’s failure to honor electoral agreements and delays in the deportation process. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Chevron, claiming it supported the Maduro regime, and noted that the decision was aimed at applying economic pressure.

Three Republican lawmakers played a significant role in influencing the decision, suggesting they would withhold their votes unless Trump complied with their demands regarding Chevron. This political maneuvering was pivotal in shaping the administration’s course of action. Loss of Chevron’s operations is projected to deprive Venezuela of nearly $3 billion annually, affecting its economy significantly and exacerbating inflation.

Although Maduro denounced the decision, he refrained from attacking U.S. officials directly. He remarked, “If it were up to me, Chevron would stay 100 more years,” framing his opposition in terms of resisting imperialism rather than being anti-American. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa responded to the situation, criticizing Maduro’s regime for lacking empathy towards those fleeing the crisis it has precipitated, labeling such actions as characteristic of authoritarian governments.

In summary, Nicolás Maduro attributed disruptions in deportation flights to the revocation of Chevron’s license by the Trump administration. This decision ignited internal disputes among U.S. lawmakers and is expected to incur substantial economic losses for Venezuela. While Maduro criticized the action, he maintained a stance against anti-American sentiment, framing his position as one against imperialism. The situation continues to evolve, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions regarding Venezuela’s governance and U.S. foreign policy.

Original Source: www.latintimes.com