Rubio Warns Venezuela of Sanctions Over Deportation Acceptance

Marco Rubio warns Venezuela of severe sanctions if it does not accept repatriated citizens from the U.S. The Trump administration seeks to enforce deportations amid the crisis in Venezuela. Maduro has agreed to accept the deportees, but sanctions loom if compliance does not continue.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to Venezuela, stating it would encounter severe and increasing sanctions if it does not accept deported citizens from the United States. This statement is part of the Trump administration’s plan to intensify deportations of Venezuelans living illegally in the U.S. and to potentially alter residency status for many of them.

Many Venezuelans residing in the U.S. have protected status due to the country’s economic decline under the authoritarian leadership of President Nicolas Maduro. Rubio emphasized, “Venezuela is obligated to accept its repatriated citizens from the U.S. This is not an issue for debate or negotiation.”

This threat follows the recent agreement by Maduro to accept repatriation flights, a shift from his earlier refusals. Rubio indicates that unless the Maduro regime consistently accepts these flights, the U.S. will enforce further sanctions.

Additionally, the Trump administration’s actions include battling to deport Venezuelan gang members, evidenced by the recent transport of 238 individuals to a high-security prison in El Salvador, despite a legal hold on these deportations. Rubio expressed gratitude to El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and noted the financial burden alleviated by this decision through cooperation with another nation.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warnings to Venezuela illuminate the U.S. government’s firm stance on repatriation of deported citizens. This situation reflects a broader initiative to enforce immigration policies while addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. With continued pressure on the Maduro regime, the U.S. aims to resolve these issues through sanctions and support from allied nations.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com