Venezuelan President Maduro Condemns US Deportations of Migrants

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants by the United States, labeling it as a “kidnapping.” He insists they are not criminals and demands their return, bolstered by public support. The deportation amid accusations of gang affiliations has raised tensions between Venezuela and the US, with protests erupting in Caracas.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has strongly condemned the recent deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, characterizing the action as a form of “kidnapping.” He emphasized that these deportees should not be regarded as criminals and called for their immediate return to Venezuela. Maduro stated, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping,” highlighting that those deported were not given their legal rights or due process before their removal.

Maduro announced plans for the Venezuelan government to formally request the return of the deported individuals, alongside a campaign to collect millions of citizen signatures in support of this initiative. The deportations were executed after President Donald Trump invoked an 18th-century law, asserting that the Venezuelans were affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, which has faced judicial pushback. This incident has heightened tensions between Caracas and Washington.

Moreover, alongside the deported Venezuelans, 23 Salvadorans were also sent back to El Salvador under an agreement between the two countries, where they were placed in CECOT, a prison notorious for its harsh conditions. Human rights groups have criticized the treatment of prisoners at this facility, labeling it as a violation of their rights. On Tuesday, protests erupted in Caracas where Venezuelans expressed solidarity with the deportees, identifying relatives in media coverage.

Amidst this turmoil, the White House has not provided evidence linking those deported to criminal activities. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has defended its actions by claiming that a thorough review was undertaken to confirm any criminal affiliations. In a show of resilience, Maduro has urged increased repatriation flights for all detained Venezuelan migrants in the US, asserting, “We are going to return all migrants who have been detained to give them respect, dignity, support, and to return to their homeland and their families.”

In summary, President Nicolas Maduro’s condemnation of the deportation of Venezuelan migrants emphasizes the alleged lack of due process in their removal. As he rallies support for their return and announces official requests for repatriation, the situation continues to strain US-Venezuela relations. Additionally, the deportees’ human rights and their treatment upon return remain critical points of contention, drawing attention from human rights organizations and the international community alike.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com