U.S. Resumes Deportation Flights to Venezuela After New Agreement
The first deportation flight of Venezuelan migrants from the U.S. to Venezuela resumed under a new agreement following a hiatus. The U.S. anticipates consistent flights, supported by Honduras. The decision aims to address the repatriation of undocumented migrants while mitigating diplomatic tensions.
The first deportation flight transporting Venezuelan migrants from the United States has departed after an agreement between the two governments to resume repatriation activities. The flight, confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, made a stop in Honduras for a plane change before continuing to Venezuela.
The U.S. official statement emphasized that these deportees were without legal status in the United States, anticipating a steady stream of future deportation flights. This development was made possible through collaboration with the government of Honduras, commended for its efforts against illegal immigration.
Honduras’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs reported that 199 Venezuelan citizens were onboard the flight, which was executed efficiently over the span of three and a half hours. The flight subsequently departed for Venezuela and is projected to arrive at an airfield near Caracas shortly.
The repatriation flights had been interrupted following the previous administration’s revocation of a necessary license for Chevron to operate in Venezuela, a decision that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro stated negatively impacted the return of migrants. Additionally, there was significant backlash in Venezuela against the deportation of 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador, leading to their incarceration in a high-security facility.
Jorge Rodríguez Gómez, President of Venezuela’s National Assembly, announced the renewed agreement for repatriations, emphasizing the plight of Venezuelans and vowing to safeguard those unjustly detained in El Salvador. As the situation evolves, the U.S. State Department and the Salvadoran presidency have been contacted for further commentary.
Venezuela’s lack of diplomatic relations with the United States complicates matters, yet flight tracking data indicates a smooth transfer process from Texas to Honduras, leading to the onward journey to Caracas. In response to these developments, President Maduro has instructed an increase in repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants currently in U.S. custody.
The recent resumption of deportation flights from the United States to Venezuela marks a significant development in the context of immigration and is a result of intergovernmental agreements. This initiative indicates a structured approach to handle the repatriation of undocumented Venezuelans while addressing past grievances related to immigration enforcement and diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
