Venezuela is demanding the immediate repatriation of over 200 migrants who were deported from the United States to El Salvador, labeling the action as a “kidnapping” and a violation of human rights. The migrants were sent to a high-security prison in El Salvador under an agreement between the U.S. and El Salvador, with the U.S. claiming they are members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. However, the Venezuelan government and families of the deported individuals deny these allegations, asserting that many of those deported are not criminals and were denied due process.
Deportation Controversy: The U.S. deported over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador despite a court order blocking the action. The Trump administration invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportations, claiming the migrants are part of the Tren de Aragua gang.
Venezuelan Response: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro described the deportations as a “kidnapping,” denying that the migrants are criminals and advocating for their return. The Venezuelan government has condemned the action as a violation of human rights.
Protests and Petitions: Thousands of Venezuelans protested in Caracas, demanding the return of their loved ones. A petition was also circulated to support the repatriation of the migrants.
Human Rights Concerns: Human rights organizations have criticized the conditions at the Salvadoran prison, describing them as inhumane and a violation of basic rights.
El Salvador’s Role: El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele agreed to house the deported migrants in his country’s prisons as part of a bilateral agreement with the U.S..
U.S. Legal Standoff: The deportations occurred despite a U.S. federal judge’s order to halt them, leading to a legal standoff.