Repatriation Flights Revive Amid US-Venezuela Diplomatic Dance

A chartered flight carrying nearly 200 Venezuelan migrants deported from the US landed safely in Venezuela, marking the resumption of repatriation flights. This follows a new agreement, despite past tensions exacerbated by former US administration policies. Arrival in Venezuela was met with relief and joy among deportees.

A chartered flight transporting approximately 200 Venezuelan migrants, deported from the United States, touched down in Venezuela on Monday. This event signifies the revival of repatriation flights between the nations following a recent bilateral agreement, CNN reported.

The flight originated from the United States, with a stop in Honduras, and landed at an airport just outside Caracas, Venezuela's capital. Footage captured the arrival moments, showing deportees expressing visible relief and joy, with several celebrating or making the sign of the cross upon disembarkation, as reported by CNN.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced on X that the deportation of these Venezuelan nationals was executed via Honduras. Officials cited the lack of legal grounds for these individuals to remain in the United States. The department has indicated an ongoing effort to maintain a steady flow of repatriation flights. Appreciation was also extended to Honduran President Xiomara Castro and her administration for their collaborative efforts to curb illegal immigration.

Enrique Reina, Honduras's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that 199 Venezuelans were on the flight. The journey lasted three and a half hours and was conducted smoothly and safely. CNN highlighted that such repatriations had previously ceased due to the US Trump administration's revocation of Chevron's license to operate in Venezuela, a decision that President Nicolas Maduro said had adversely impacted repatriation operations.

Tensions had further escalated as the US deported 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador last year, later transferring them to the infamous Cecot mega-prison. While the US linked these deportees to the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua, relatives denied any criminal affiliations, CNN reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)