U.S. and Venezuela Clash Over Deportation Flights

The United States and Venezuela are embroiled in a diplomatic clash over deportation flights, which escalated after a plane with deported Venezuelans landed in Caracas. The U.S. denied claims of ongoing repatriation flights from Mexico, asserting that Venezuela is misleading the public. Additionally, Venezuelan officials have accused the U.S. of obstructing flights back from the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. has continued deportations of alleged gang members to El Salvador amidst legal scrutiny.

Recent tensions have escalated between the United States and Venezuela regarding deportation flights. After a plane carrying deported Venezuelans arrived in Caracas from Mexico, the U.S. government rejected claims made by Venezuela regarding repatriation flights, accusing the Maduro administration of misleading the public. This incident coincides with a broader strategy by the U.S. to expedite the removal of migrants.

Earlier, 311 Venezuelan nationals returned to Caracas after being in the United States. The U.S. Department of State’s Western Hemisphere office publicly challenged Venezuela’s assertions, stating, “Maduro must stop misleading and schedule consistent, weekly repatriation flights.” This post was released just prior to the aircraft’s arrival, suggesting a deliberate attempt to clarify the situation.

Venezuela’s Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, announced on state television that the recent flight increased the total number of deported Venezuelans to 920. He referenced a purported agreement with Mexico concerning these repatriations but did not share specific details.

Additionally, Jorge Rodriguez, the President of Venezuela’s Congress, indicated the country’s readiness to restore direct flights from the United States while accusing U.S. officials of hindering the efforts. “The only thing preventing these flights is the US State Department,” he asserted in an interview on state-run television.

In a related development, the United States recently deported over 200 alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang to El Salvador, where they are being held in a contentious prison facility. This action has raised concerns about the legality of the deportation process, as questioned by a U.S. judge.

In conclusion, the diplomatic tension between the United States and Venezuela over deportation flights underscores the complexities of international migration policies. Despite Venezuela’s assertions of agreements with Mexico, the U.S. has launched a counter-narrative emphasizing its stance on the situation. The developments highlight ongoing disputes regarding migration and repatriation, shedding light on the broader implications of these diplomatic interactions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com