Maduro Denounces US Deportations to El Salvador as ‘Kidnapping’

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the deportation of over 200 alleged gang members to El Salvador, asserting it was a “kidnapping.” He denied the deportees’ criminal status and pledged to request their return, supported by public backing. The deportation has provoked widespread protests in Venezuela, where citizens express solidarity with the affected families.

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela has condemned the recent deportations of over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a large prison in El Salvador, labeling the act as a “kidnapping.” Maduro asserts that the deported individuals are not criminals and advocates for their repatriation. He expressed, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping… they did not commit any crime in the United States, none,” as reported by CNN.

Furthermore, Maduro criticized the lack of legal proceedings for the deportees, stating, “They were not brought to trial, they were not given the right to a defense… kidnapped, and sent to a concentration camp in El Salvador.” He vowed to formally request their return from El Salvador, supported by millions of signatures from Venezuelan citizens.

The deportation has ignited significant outrage within Venezuela, leading many citizens to protest in Caracas, demonstrating support for the deportees and their families, who deny any association with criminal activities. In response to the situation, Maduro pledged to enhance efforts to repatriate Venezuelan migrants in the US, ensuring they would be treated with respect and dignity.

The deportations, executed under Trump’s administration, were justified on the basis that the deportees were linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, involved in severe offenses such as human trafficking and drug smuggling. The Trump administration had previously designated this group as a foreign terrorist organization.

Additionally, the deportations were authorized under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, amid claims of an “invasion” of migrants. Despite Trump’s assertions regarding the deportees’ connections to criminality, the White House has not provided definitive evidence linking them to any criminal activities, though US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintains that it conducted a thorough review of the individuals’ profiles.

In summary, President Maduro has vehemently opposed the deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador, characterizing the action as wrongful and illegal. He plans to formally request their return while promising better treatment for Venezuelan migrants in the US. The situation has sparked substantial public dissent in Venezuela, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding deportations and migrant rights. Ultimately, the legitimacy of the deportations remains contested, with little evidence presented by US authorities to substantiate their claims against the deportees.

Original Source: www.newsx.com