Venezuela and US Reach Agreement on Repatriation Flights

Venezuela has announced a renewed agreement with the United States to resume repatriation flights for Venezuelan nationals who have been deported. This decision comes after a recent dispute that arose when the U.S. deported over 200 Venezuelans to a high-security facility in El Salvador, an action that Caracas described as a form of 'kidnapping.'

Jorge Rodriguez, the President of Venezuela's National Assembly, confirmed that the first flight under this new agreement is scheduled to depart on Sunday. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of ensuring that Venezuelans return home with their human rights protected.

The suspension of repatriation flights was initiated by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on March 8, following accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Venezuela's failure to uphold its commitments. In retaliation, Venezuela ceased accepting further flights, which escalated tensions between the two countries, particularly after the U.S. government suspended the export license of energy giant Chevron regarding Venezuelan oil.

The tension intensified as both governments clashed over the deportation of Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador. The U.S. government has labeled these individuals as members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the State Department has classified as a foreign terrorist organization. Venezuela has strongly denied these allegations.

In a televised address, Maduro directed criticism towards Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, demanding accountability for the wellbeing of the deportees. Maduro insisted that the migrants had not committed crimes in either the United States or El Salvador and urged Bukele to ensure their health and safety.

Families of those deported have expressed their outrage, claiming that the U.S. misled the migrants into believing they were returning home after spending time in detention. Relatives have voiced their concerns during protests in Venezuela, with one grandmother stating that her grandson had been tricked into thinking he was returning to Venezuela, only to be deported to El Salvador instead.

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted further deportations; however, some flights had already taken off prior to this ruling. The ongoing crisis has seen over seven million Venezuelans leave their homeland due to a decade-long economic collapse, with many fleeing from the Maduro government.