Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemned the deportation of over 200 migrants from the U.S. to El Salvador, denouncing it as a “kidnapping”. He asserted that those deported are not criminals and demanded their return. Maduro’s government plans to petition El Salvador for repatriation, while U.S. authorities claim the deportees are linked to criminal activities, a claim that remains largely unproven as tensions rise between the two nations.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vehemently opposed the deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, describing it as a form of “kidnapping” and affirming that these individuals are not criminals. He has called for their return to Venezuela, emphasizing that they were unjustly treated and denied legal rights during the deportation process.
Maduro directed his criticism towards Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, stating, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping, because our boys did not commit any crime in the United States, none.” He pointed to the lack of due process and the deceptive manner in which the deportees were handled, describing the actions as humiliating and likening the facility where they were sent to a concentration camp.
Since taking office in 2013, Maduro has maintained tight control over Venezuela. He announced plans to petition El Salvador for the return of the migrants, promising to gather “millions” of signatures from Venezuelan citizens in support of this initiative.
In a recent deportation action, Trump utilized an 18th-century law to remove 238 Venezuelans, claiming they were linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, despite legal challenges to the decision. This situation has exacerbated tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
Alongside the Venezuelans, 23 Salvadoran nationals were also deported and placed in a facility notorious for harsh conditions. Human rights advocates have condemned the treatment of detainees in this institution.
Following the deportations, Venezuelans protested in Caracas, with many recognizing their relatives among the deportees and insisting on their innocence. Maduro remarked on the public response, expressing gratitude for the support shown by Venezuelans calling for the return of their compatriots.
The Trump administration has yet to provide conclusive evidence linking the deported individuals to any criminal organizations. Meanwhile, ICE has defended its actions, asserting that a comprehensive review was conducted; however, specifics regarding the individuals involved remain undisclosed.
In light of these events, Maduro has announced an increase in repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants detained in the United States, stating his government’s commitment to providing respect and dignity to those returning home.
In summary, President Maduro has strongly condemned the deportation of Venezuelan migrants from the United States, labeling the act as a kidnapping and stressing their non-criminal status. His government intends to seek the return of these individuals, while the actions taken by the Trump administration continue to create friction in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. The situation highlights the ongoing human rights concerns and the complexities surrounding migration and deportation policies.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
