Maduro Condemns U.S. Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants as ‘Kidnapping’
Nicolás Maduro denounces the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador as “kidnapping.” He asserts no crimes were committed and supports a movement for their return. The deported migrants are at a notorious prison, prompting protests in Venezuela, where families seek their release. Maduro plans to increase repatriation efforts for detained individuals.
Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, has publicly condemned the deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants by the United States to a notorious prison in El Salvador, labeling the action as a “kidnapping.” He stated that these individuals are not criminals and criticized El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for participating in their deportation. Maduro argued that the deportees did not receive due legal process, emphasizing their forced removal as undemocratic and unjust.
In his statements, Maduro indicated that his administration plans to formally request the return of the deported individuals from El Salvador. This request will be accompanied by an official document supported by millions of Venezuelan signatures. This move comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s enforcement of an 18th-century law to deport Venezuelans alleged to have connections to the criminal Tren de Aragua gang, despite a prior court ruling preventing such actions. Trump framed the deportations as necessary to address what he views as a migrant “invasion.”
The deported Venezuelans have been sent to the Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, a facility criticized by human rights organizations for its brutal conditions. Protests erupted in Caracas, where families of the deportees expressed their concerns, asserting that their loved ones were unjustly labeled as criminals. Maduro voiced his support for these demonstrators, calling for the return of the Venezuelan migrants and their humane treatment.
Trump previously designated the Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang as foreign terrorist organizations, using this designation to justify the deportations. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has claimed it conducted a thorough review to ascertain the criminality of the deported individuals, whose identities remain undisclosed. However, some previously deported Venezuelans refuted their association with gangs and criticized the discriminatory assumptions made against them.
In response to these deportations, Maduro announced an increase in repatriation flights to bring detained Venezuelans back home, promising to treat them with dignity and respect. He emphasized the importance of reuniting migrants with their families in Venezuela, thereby alleviating their distress following the harsh deportation process.
In summary, Nicolás Maduro has condemned the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, calling it a “kidnapping” and declaring the deportees innocent of criminal activity. Maduro’s administration aims to formally demand their return, backed by millions of citizen signatures. The treatment of these individuals in a notorious prison and the circumstances of their deportation have sparked protests in Venezuela, highlighting issues of human rights and legal protections for migrants. The Venezuelan leader has committed to enhancing efforts for repatriation, prioritizing the dignity and respect of returning citizens.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
