Nicolás Maduro has termed the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador a ‘kidnapping.’ He opposes the characterization of these individuals as criminals and has vowed to seek their return. Protests have arisen in Venezuela as families demand justice and repatriation. The legitimacy of U.S. claims regarding gang affiliations remains unverified, exacerbating diplomatic tensions over immigration and human rights violations.
The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, has characterized the deportation of over 200 Venezuelan migrants to a notorious prison in El Salvador by the United States as a form of “kidnapping.” He asserts that these individuals are not criminals and advocates for their repatriation, condemning El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for cooperating in this action. Maduro emphasized the lack of legal proceedings or defense rights for those deported, stating they were improperly sent to what he describes as a “concentration camp.”
In a recent statement, Maduro announced that his government intends to submit an official request to El Salvador for the return of the deportees, which will be supported by millions of Venezuelan signatures. This latest development follows a decision by President Donald Trump to utilize an ancient wartime law to expedite the deportation of individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, based on unproven claims of criminal affiliation.
The deported Venezuelans, along with others from El Salvador, were transferred to the Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, a facility known for its harsh treatment of inmates, raising significant human rights concerns. Following the deportations, protests occurred in Caracas, as families claimed their relatives were wrongfully detained and demanded their return. Maduro expressed solidarity with these families, emphasizing the public’s support for the repatriation efforts.
Maduro claims that the deportees have been unjustly labeled as gang members by U.S. authorities, who have provided insufficient evidence to substantiate these claims. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, however, stated it conducted comprehensive checks to confirm the individuals’ alleged involvement with criminal gangs. Despite these assertions, some deportees, like Daniel Simancas Rodríguez, have insisted they are innocent victims of profiling based on superficial characteristics such as tattoos.
In light of these recent events, Maduro has ordered an increase in repatriation flights for migrants held in the United States, aiming to restore dignity and support to those affected while facilitating their return home.
Responses from the presidency of El Salvador and the U.S. Department of State regarding these deportations remain unreported.
In summary, the Venezuelan government has vehemently opposed the U.S. deportation of migrants to El Salvador, branding it as an unjust act and calling for the return of those affected. Maduro’s administration plans to formally request their repatriation, bolstered by significant public support. Moreover, the U.S. assertion of gang affiliations lacks substantiated evidence, leading to protests from affected families advocating for their loved ones’ immediate return. Overall, these events underscore ongoing tensions between Venezuela, El Salvador, and the United States, particularly in relation to immigration policies and human rights.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
