Nicolas Maduro has criticized the U.S. deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants as a “kidnapping,” asserting they are not criminals and calling for their return. He plans to petition the Salvadoran government for their release. The deportation has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with protests occurring in Caracas, while Maduro aims to repatriate detained Venezuelans. The U.S. has not substantiated claims of criminal affiliation among the deportees.
The leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, has publicly denounced the United States’ recent deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants, labeling the act as a “kidnapping.” He specifically expressed discontent with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for facilitating these deportations, asserting that the individuals did not commit any crimes in the United States.
Maduro emphasized that the deportees were not afforded the opportunity for a trial or legal defense, claiming they were deceived and forcibly transported to a notorious mega-prison known for its inhumane conditions. He stated that the Venezuelan government will petition for the return of these citizens, accompanied by a substantial number of public signatures.
The deportation follows an invocation of an 18th-century law by President Donald Trump, who justified the action by calling the deported individuals part of the Tren de Aragua gang amid rising tensions with Venezuela. The migrants were transferred to the Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, which has faced numerous human rights criticisms due to its treatment of inmates.
In Caracas, Venezuelans protested the deportations, with several identifying loved ones among those sent to El Salvador. Maduro supported these protests and the call for the deportees’ return, highlighting widespread compassion among Venezuelan citizens towards the affected families.
The U.S. government has yet to provide substantial evidence supporting claims that the deportees are affiliated with criminal organizations, and reports indicate that previous deportees have denied such associations. Additionally, Maduro aims to increase repatriation efforts for all Venezuelan migrants detained abroad, ensuring their return with dignity and respect. CNN also reached out to authorities in El Salvador and the U.S. State Department for comments on the matter.
In summary, Nicolas Maduro has condemned the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan migrants as a form of kidnapping and has called for their return, arguing that these individuals are not guilty of any crimes. This incident reflects the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela and raises questions about the treatment of deported individuals. As protests erupt in Venezuela and Maduro seeks to arrange repatriation flights, the situation remains tense and unresolved.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
