Venezuela’s Maduro Criticizes US Deportations to El Salvador as ‘Kidnapping’
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the US deportation of over 200 alleged gang members to El Salvador, calling it a “kidnapping.” He claims these individuals are innocent and plans to request their return supported by widespread public backing. Protests erupted in Venezuela against the deportations, with many citizens defending the deportees. Maduro vows to intensify repatriation efforts for Venezuelans detained in the US.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the US deportation of more than 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a mega-prison in El Salvador, labelling the action as a “kidnapping.” Maduro asserts that these individuals are not criminals, urging their return to Venezuela and calling upon El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele to refrain from supporting this action.
In his statement to supporters, Maduro expressed, “They were not brought to trial, they were not given the right to a defense… kidnapped, and sent to a concentration camp in El Salvador,” highlighting concerns over the lack of legal procedures for the deportees. He announced plans for Venezuela to send an “official document” to El Salvador requesting the return of the deportees, which will be supported by a petition with “millions” of signatures.
The deportations have created significant unrest in Venezuela, prompting protests in Caracas. Citizens rallied in solidarity with the deported individuals and their families, who denied any involvement in criminal activities.
Maduro further stated that the Venezuelan government would enhance efforts to repatriate its migrants detained in the United States, pledging to provide them with “respect, dignity, support, and a return to their homeland.” The recent deportations, which took place over the weekend, included 238 Venezuelans and 23 Salvadorans linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.
The Tren de Aragua gang has been identified with serious crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling, and was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. Trump justified the deportations, using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, even after a court ruling temporarily obstructed the action. The White House has not publicly provided clear evidence connecting the deportees to criminal activities associated with Tren de Aragua, despite claims from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding a thorough review of their profiles.
In summary, President Nicolas Maduro has strongly condemned the recent US deportation of Venezuelans, framing it as an egregious violation of due process. Protests erupted in Venezuela in response, demanding the return of those deported. Maduro’s administration is committed to repatriating Venezuelan migrants detained in the United States, asserting the need for dignity and support for these individuals. Furthermore, the claims regarding the deportees’ criminal affiliations remain unsubstantiated, highlighting the complexity of the situations surrounding these deportations.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
