On Saturday, former President Donald Trump revealed that the Venezuelan government has agreed to accept all illegal migrants currently in the United States. This includes members of the notorious gang, the "Tren de Aragua." In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that Venezuela will also provide transportation to repatriate these individuals, a move he describes as part of his broader strategy to reduce the number of illegal migrants in the U.S.
"Venezuela has agreed to take back all illegal Venezuelan migrants in the U.S., including gang members like those from Tren de Aragua," Trump announced in his post. He further mentioned, "Venezuela has also agreed to provide transportation for their return. We are in the process of removing a record number of illegal immigrants from all countries, and each of these countries has consented to take back these illegal immigrants."
This agreement follows an official visit by Trump's special envoy, Richard Grenell, who met with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Friday. After the meeting, six American citizens detained in Venezuela were released and returned to the U.S. alongside Grenell.
Details on whether any economic or political concessions were granted in exchange for the repatriation remain unclear. Speculation includes whether the U.S. might have recognized Maduro as president following a contested election. However, the White House has emphasized that the visit did not constitute official recognition of Maduro's regime, and the specifics of the Friday agreement remain undisclosed.
Trump highlighted this as a critical step in his plan to "remove record numbers of illegal migrants from all countries," ensuring that each nation involved has agreed to reclaim their citizens. This arrangement with Venezuela comes after the U.S. and Colombia averted a trade war through an agreement on deportation flights, and Mexico began accepting deported migrants from other nations, such as Cuba.
Grenell's trip to Caracas occurred amid a politically sensitive backdrop, as Maduro's re-election in January 2025 remains unrecognized by the U.S. and several regional countries. Despite the diplomatic tensions, Grenell emphasized that no promises of concessions were made in return for the migrants' repatriation.
Understanding the U.S.-Venezuela Deportation Agreement
What is the U.S. agreement with Venezuela about?
The agreement involves Venezuela accepting back illegal Venezuelan migrants from the U.S., including members of gangs like the Tren de Aragua, and providing transportation for their return.
Did the U.S. offer any concessions to Venezuela for this agreement?
It remains unclear if any economic or political concessions were made. The White House has stated that the visit did not imply official recognition of Maduro's leadership.
Who facilitated the agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela?
Trump's special envoy, Richard Grenell, facilitated the agreement through a meeting with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
What happened following Grenell's visit to Venezuela?
Following Grenell's visit, six American citizens detained in Venezuela were released and returned to the U.S. with him.