First deportation flight to Venezuela in months after US-Venezuela deal
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The first flight carrying Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States has departed for Venezuela, marking the resumption of repatriation flights between the two nations.
The flight, which left the US on Sunday, made a brief stop in Honduras for a plane change before continuing its journey to Venezuela.
A total of 199 individuals were on board, with the flight expected to land near Caracas in the coming hours.
This move follows a recent agreement between the US and Venezuela to resume deportations. The decision comes after a break in repatriation flights, which had been suspended due to tensions between the two countries.
The US revoked a license for American oil company Chevron to operate in Venezuela, which President Nicolás Maduro stated had affected repatriation efforts.
In response, the US had threatened further sanctions, escalating the diplomatic conflict.
The flight's resumption has been met with mixed reactions. Venezuela has voiced its strong disapproval over recent US deportations, particularly after 238 Venezuelans were sent to El Salvador, where they were reportedly transferred to the notorious Cecot mega-prison.
The US accused the migrants of being involved with the Tren de Aragua criminal group, but many of their relatives have denied such claims. The situation has sparked outrage in Venezuela, with many accusing the US of unjustly targeting innocent migrants.
Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuela's National Assembly President and a key negotiator with the US, confirmed the agreement to resume repatriation flights on social media. He emphasised that the agreement would allow the safe return of Venezuelan citizens while safeguarding their human rights.
Rodríguez further stated that the Venezuelan government would not rest until those deported to El Salvador are returned home, calling them "kidnapped" by Salvadoran authorities.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed the flight's departure but did not comment on the specifics of the deportations.
US officials have accused several of the deported individuals of being members of Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang originating in Venezuela.
However, critics argue that the Trump administration has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims.
Some of the deported individuals, such as a 26-year-old barber, have been reported as having no criminal record in the US, further raising questions about the deportations' legitimacy.
The suspension of repatriation flights in March had exacerbated tensions between the US and Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Maduro has confirmed that his government will continue to work with the US to ensure the safe return of its citizens. He has also ordered an increase in the number of repatriation flights.
The US has yet to officially comment on the renewed deportation flights.
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