Venezuela Agrees to Resume Deportation Flights with United States

Venezuela has reached an agreement with the U.S. to accept deportation flights carrying its nationals, after a period of suspension. Venezuelan officials emphasized the importance of safeguarding human rights during repatriation. The administration has been criticized for deporting individuals with alleged gang affiliations without substantial evidence. Recent actions have seen increased deportations, with some Venezuelans held in U.S. facilities without clear justification for their treatment.

On Saturday, Venezuela announced a renewed agreement with the United States to accept repatriation flights for its citizens who have been deported. This development follows Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s suspension of such flights back in March after the U.S. Treasury Department revoked Chevron’s oil export license.

Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s Assembly and chief negotiator, confirmed that an initial flight was scheduled for the following day. He emphasized the importance of this agreement in ensuring the humane return of Venezuelan nationals, stating, “We have agreed with the U.S. government to resume the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants with an initial flight tomorrow, Sunday.”

Rodríguez also highlighted the significance of protecting the human rights of returning citizens, denouncing practices from previous U.S. administrations regarding the deportation of Venezuelans to prisons in El Salvador. He insisted, “Migrating is not a crime,” reaffirming the commitment to secure the return of all Venezuelan nationals.

During a public address, President Maduro supported the resumption of flights and expressed accountability for the welfare of those already deported, designating El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele as responsible for the welfare of those citizens. Maduro stated, “You guarantee their health and, sooner rather than later, you have to hand them over and release them, because they are kidnapped.”

The debate around deportations has intensified, particularly surrounding the Trump administration’s characterization of certain deportees as members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been labeled a foreign terrorist organization. However, no substantial evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims regarding the deportees’ criminal activities in the U.S.

CBS News reported that, recently, 238 Venezuelans were deported, with at least one individual reportedly holding no criminal history in either the U.S. or Venezuela. Instances of deportation have notably increased since Trump’s administration began, including over 350 individuals sent back to Venezuela in recent weeks, amid claims from the U.S. about their alleged gang affiliations.

In conclusion, Venezuela’s agreement to resume deportation flights from the United States marks a significant diplomatic development. This agreement aims to ensure the humane treatment of returning nationals, reduce tensions surrounding deportations, and address the humanitarian rights of Venezuelans affected by these policies. The discourse surrounding the supposed affiliations of deportees raises concerns regarding the transparency and justification of deportation processes.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com