Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Venezuela will face severe sanctions if it does not accept deported citizens from the U.S. This warning correlates with the Trump administration’s efforts to ramp up deportations amid Venezuela’s economic collapse under Maduro’s rule. Rubio emphasized that the obligation to accept repatriated citizens is indisputable and criticized Maduro’s initial refusal to accept these flights.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, warned that Venezuela would encounter “severe, and escalating sanctions” if it does not accept its citizens deported from the United States. This ultimatum arises as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to deport Venezuelans living illegally in the U.S. and considers the implementation of a temporary residency program for a significant number of these individuals, potentially jeopardizing their legal status.
Many Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S. fled their home country due to the severe economic crisis exacerbated by the authoritarian regime of President Nicolas Maduro. Rubio expressed through X that “Venezuela is obligated to accept its repatriated citizens from the U.S. This is not an issue for debate or negotiation.” He urged for the immediate acceptance of deportation flights, indicating that failure to do so would lead to new and harsher sanctions by the U.S.
This warning follows comments from Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, who indicated that the Maduro regime had recently consented to accept repatriation flights after initial refusals.
Additionally, in February, President Trump ceased a permit permitting oil exports from Venezuela, citing that the Maduro government did not achieve necessary benchmarks for promoting free and fair elections. The administration is also active in deporting Venezuelan gang members, with a recent operation transferring 238 gang members to a high-security prison in El Salvador, despite a legal injunction against the deportation.
During an interview on Fox News Radio, Rubio expressed gratitude to the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, for accepting deported migrants. He noted that, “Venezuela should be taking them, but they refuse to take them,” and acknowledged Bukele’s willingness to assist at a reduced cost compared to housing them in U.S. prisons.
In summary, the United States has issued a stern warning to Venezuela regarding the acceptance of its deported citizens, emphasizing the potential for escalating sanctions if compliance is not met. The situation reflects the broader context of U.S. immigration and foreign policy amidst Venezuela’s ongoing economic and political turmoil. Efforts to address the illegal migration of Venezuelans and the challenges posed by deporting criminal elements further illustrate the complexity of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
