On Monday, the first group of 190 migrants deported from the United States arrived in Venezuela on two flights operated by the state-run airline Conviasa. This repatriation is part of an agreement reached between Nicolás Maduro's regime and the former Trump administration, following a visit to Caracas by Richard Grenell, the special envoy from the former U.S. president.
The flights landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía shortly after 9 PM local time, where they were greeted by the Minister of the Interior and Justice, Diosdado Cabello. "Here are the first Venezuelan men and women returning to their homeland; they will be welcomed as Venezuelans who, due to circumstances, had to leave the country but are now coming back," the official stated during an official broadcast.
A Gesture of Justice and Reconciliation
Cabello further commented, "Justice is served when a migrant returns home in peace and tranquility." He also dismissed rumors, stating, "The notion that all these individuals have criminal records is false," and noted that they are currently reviewing how many of the returnees might have such records.
The deported individuals spent the night in a shelter near the airport in the state of La Guaira, where authorities registered them and provided basic healthcare. The Venezuelan Red Cross confirmed that a team of 40 volunteers, including doctors and paramedics, supported the migrants by providing hygiene kits, refreshments, and necessary medications.
Resumption of Deportation Flights
The U.S. government announced that it would soon resume deportation flights to Venezuela, as confirmed last Friday by Tom Homan, the so-called "Border Czar." Although Trump does not acknowledge Nicolás Maduro's legitimacy, who began a new term on January 10 amid allegations of electoral fraud by the opposition, Trump sent diplomat Richard Grenell to Caracas in an attempt to bridge the gap between the two countries, whose diplomatic ties have been severed since 2019.
Following this visit, the White House reported securing the release of six U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela in exchange for Maduro's commitment to accept deported migrants. In a symbolic exchange, Maduro and Grenell shook hands, with Venezuelan Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez smiling in the background. The Maduro government issued a statement affirming its intention to maintain "dialogue among equals" with the U.S.
Implications and Future Developments
Subsequently, Maduro proposed a $10 million loan program to support returning Venezuelan migrants. This initiative suggests that Caracas might be gearing up for the influx of deportees, although it has not officially confirmed its acceptance of all repatriated individuals.
Currently, some Venezuelans deemed dangerous criminals are held at the Guantanamo Naval Base, having arrived on two flights earlier this week. In total, 23 illegal immigrants are at Guantanamo, though it is unclear if all are Venezuelans. Reports indicate that the first group of 10 includes members of the Tren de Aragua gang, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the 13 in the second group are indeed Venezuelans.
Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans live in the United States, many under temporary immigration reliefs that have been revoked by the Trump administration, including the 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This decision leaves them vulnerable to the Republican president's aggressive deportation plans.
Trump's Shift in Strategy Toward Venezuela
During his first term, Trump unsuccessfully attempted to oust Maduro by imposing economic sanctions, supporting opposition leader Juan Guaidó, and offering a $15 million reward for the Venezuelan leader's capture on charges of narcoterrorism. However, with the rising tide of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. and his electoral promise to curb illegal immigration, the dynamics have shifted.
Now, Trump requires Maduro's cooperation in accepting the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants, a factor that enhances the Caracas government's leverage, according to The New York Times. Additionally, Venezuela continues to detain at least five Americans and two U.S. permanent residents, according to the human rights group Foro Penal. This bolsters Maduro's negotiating power, potentially using these detainees as bargaining chips in future discussions.
Key Questions on U.S.-Venezuela Relations and Migration
What is the significance of the deportation agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela?
The agreement marks a shift in U.S. policy towards Venezuela, indicating a willingness to engage with Maduro despite previous non-recognition, and addresses the growing number of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S.
How does the deportation affect Venezuelan migrants in the U.S.?
Many Venezuelan migrants face uncertainty as their temporary protections are revoked, making them vulnerable to deportation under the Trump administration's plans.
What are the potential implications of Venezuela's proposed loan program for returnees?
The loan program could facilitate the reintegration of returning migrants into Venezuelan society, providing necessary support and economic stability.