The first flight carrying deported Venezuelan migrants from the United States landed in Venezuela on the night of Monday, February 10. Shortly after, another flight from El Paso, Texas, arrived in the country, fulfilling an agreement between the governments of Donald Trump and Nicolás Maduro. This pact comes despite the controversy surrounding the electoral fraud in Venezuela on July 28, 2024.
Ernesto Castañeda’s Analysis
Ernesto Castañeda, director of the Immigration Laboratory at American University, analyzed the situation. He explained that many Venezuelans in the U.S. are trying to prove that their asylum request is valid and that returning to their country poses a danger to them.
“Some people are persecuted by organized crime or because of their profession, such as journalists. Returning to Venezuela can be very risky for them due to the regime,” Castañeda stated.
However, the analyst highlighted a paradox: “Many Venezuelans supported Trump’s campaign and are now surprised by the deportations,” he said. This is because the Trump administration has been firm in its policy against irregular migration.
The Maduro Government’s Response
After the arrival of the flights carrying deported migrants, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its willingness to maintain diplomatic relations with the United States.
“We reaffirm, within the framework of our Bolivarian diplomacy of peace, the willingness to maintain direct relations of communication, respect, and understanding between both governments,” the authorities stated.
This new scenario raises many questions about the future of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. and Trump’s immigration policy in the coming months.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings