Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro criticizes the deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to El Salvador, labeling it a “kidnapping”. He denies the deportees’ criminal ties and announces plans to petition for their return, backed by public support. The actions have sparked protests in Venezuela and highlight ongoing tensions with the U.S. regarding migration and crime.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has strongly condemned the recent deportation of over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to a megaprison in El Salvador, labeling the actions as a “kidnapping.” Maduro refutes claims that these individuals are criminals and advocates for their return to Venezuela, accusing El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele of complicity. He stated, “Nayib Bukele should not be an accomplice to this kidnapping, because our boys did not commit any crime in the United States, none.”
Maduro expressed deep concern over the legal process surrounding these deportations, asserting that the deportees were not given due process or a chance to defend themselves. He illustrated their experience as shocking, describing them as “deceived, handcuffed, put on a plane, kidnapped, and sent to a concentration camp in El Salvador.” He announced plans to formally request the return of these individuals, supported by millions of Venezuelan signatures.
The deportations have ignited significant outrage within Venezuela, prompting citizen protests in Caracas as demonstrators expressed solidarity with the deportees and their families. Many protestors vehemently denied any criminal connection of their loved ones to gang activities. Maduro also emphasized that his government would increase efforts to repatriate Venezuelan migrants detained in the United States, pledging to treat them with “respect, dignity, support, and a return to their homeland and families.”
These deportations were ordered by former President Donald Trump, claiming the deportees were linked to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, which has been involved in serious illegal activities. The Trump administration designated this group as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. The implications of invoking an 18th-century law to facilitate these deportations have drawn criticism, particularly as the White House has not released substantial evidence linking the deportees to criminal organizations. Additionally, details regarding the individuals deported remain undisclosed, revealing an unclear legal narrative behind the actions.
In conclusion, President Maduro’s condemnation of the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan citizens highlights concerns regarding due process and legal rights. The widespread protests in Venezuela reflect national outrage regarding these actions, which are seen as unjustified and harmful. The promises of repatriation and protection for detained migrants further underscore the ongoing political tensions between the United States and Venezuela associated with issues of crime and migration.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
