First Deportation Flight to Venezuela from the U.S. Marks Resumption of Repatriations

The first deportation flight of Venezuelan migrants from the U.S. to Venezuela has commenced after a recent agreement between the two governments. This flight, confirmed by U.S. officials, transited through Honduras and is expected to resume regular deportation efforts. Notable figures, including Venezuelan President Maduro and National Assembly President Gómez, made statements amidst ongoing tensions regarding deportations.

The first deportation flight of Venezuelan migrants from the United States has commenced following an agreement between the two governments to resume repatriation efforts. The flight, confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, departed from the U.S., transiting through Honduras, where passengers were transferred to another plane.

The department emphasized, “Today, deportation flights of Venezuelan illegal aliens to their homeland resumed via Honduras.” They indicated that deportation flights to Venezuela will become more regular, thanking Honduran President Xiomara Castro for collaboration on this issue.

Honduras’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs reported that 199 Venezuelans were aboard the flight, which was executed safely and orderly. The flight is expected to arrive at an airfield near Caracas soon. This process witnessed a standstill due to past political decisions affecting U.S.-Venezuela relations.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro previously indicated that actions by the Trump administration impeded repatriation, while recent U.S. deportations have ignited anger within Venezuela, particularly the deportation of migrants to El Salvador under controversial circumstances.

Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez Gómez highlighted the agreement, stating, “Migration is not a crime, and we will not rest until we achieve the return of all those who need it.” The U.S. State Department and the Salvadoran presidency have been approached for comments regarding these developments, as tensions regarding deportations remain high.

Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, flight tracking revealed the transfer of deportees occurred at a Honduran airbase used for such operations. Meanwhile, President Maduro has instructed the increase of repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants detained abroad.

The first repatriation flight of Venezuelan migrants from the United States has launched, marking a significant development following a new agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela. This initiative aims to facilitate the return of Venezuelan migrants and alleviate tensions resulting from past deportations. As these flights become more frequent, ongoing political dynamics between the involved nations will continue to influence the situation.

Original Source: www.cnn.com