Venezuela Agrees to US Repatriation Flights

Venezuela and U.S. Reach Agreement to Resume Repatriation Flights Amid Tensions

Venezuela has agreed with the United States to resume repatriation flights for deported Venezuelan nationals, officials announced on Saturday. Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuela’s National Assembly President, confirmed that the first flight would depart on Sunday, aiming to "ensure the return of our countrymen with the protection of their human rights." (reuters.com)

Suspension of Flights and Diplomatic Strains

The resumption follows a suspension of repatriation flights by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on March 8, after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Venezuela of failing to meet its commitments. In response, Caracas refused to accept further flights, escalating tensions between the two nations. (reuters.com)

Deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador

The situation intensified when the U.S. government deported over 200 Venezuelans to a high-security prison in El Salvador. Washington claims the deportees belong to the Tren de Aragua gang, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. Venezuela denies this claim, with President Maduro describing the deportation as a "kidnapping" and holding El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele responsible. (cnn.com)

Family Protests and Legal Actions

Families of the deported individuals have protested in Venezuela, accusing the U.S. of deceiving the migrants into believing they were returning home. A federal U.S. judge temporarily blocked further deportations, but some flights had already departed. (reuters.com)

Background on the Deportation Policy

The deportations were carried out under the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law, which allows the U.S. to deport foreign nationals from countries with which it is at war. This law has been applied in previous conflicts, including during the World Wars. (peoplesdispatch.org)

Conclusion

The resumption of repatriation flights marks a significant development in U.S.-Venezuela relations, following a period of heightened tensions and legal disputes over the deportation of Venezuelan nationals. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing legal challenges and diplomatic negotiations.

Venezuela and U.S. Resume Repatriation Flights Amid Tensions:

• Venezuela reaches agreement with US to resume repatriation flights of migrants
• Venezuela to resume repatriation of migrants after deal with US, official says
• A timeline of the legal wrangling and deportation flights after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act