On February 10, 2025, two flights departed from Fort Bliss in Texas, carrying Venezuelan migrants back to their home country as part of a controversial deportation effort by the Trump administration.
Venezuelan Deportees Return as Trump Administration Pushes for Sweeping Repatriation
Venezuelan Deportees Return as Trump Administration Pushes for Sweeping Repatriation
Two Conviasa Flights Mark Significant Step in Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Strategy
On a monumental day for the Trump administration, two Conviasa airline flights left Fort Bliss, Texas, on February 10, 2025, transporting Venezuelan migrants back to Venezuela. The flights, which were scheduled to arrive in Caracas later in the evening, symbolize a crucial achievement for President Trump, who has been outspoken about his plans to execute widespread deportations of undocumented immigrants. To fulfill this objective, President Trump has sought the cooperation of Nicolás Maduro, the embattled Venezuelan leader, who has recently agreed to accept certain deportees despite strained relations following the 2019 diplomatic fallout.
The flights were initiated as part of Trump's aggressive immigration stance, which includes a promise to deport millions. According to flight tracking services, the planes took off around 10:45 a.m. and were expected in Caracas by 7:15 p.m. While the U.S. government did not disclose the identities of those aboard, there are concerns that some may face persecution upon their return.
The Venezuelan government confirmed its awareness of the incoming flights, stating that it had been informed by the U.S. about the presence of individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua criminal group among the deportees. A subsequent investigation is anticipated upon their arrival in Venezuela, subjecting these individuals to the scrutiny of Venezuelan law enforcement.
Notably, the Maduro regime has historically refrained from accepting deported Venezuelans, save for a brief period during the Biden administration. Yet, recent developments, such as a visit from Trump adviser Richard Grenell who helped secure the release of six American detainees in Venezuela, may suggest a shift in diplomatic dynamics.
As this situation unfolds, it brings to light the intricate connections between U.S. immigration policy and Venezuela's current political climate, further complicated by international legal actions against Maduro, who faces serious criminal accusations in the United States.
Julie Turkewitz serves as the Andes Bureau Chief reporting on pivotal issues across several South American nations.
The flights were initiated as part of Trump's aggressive immigration stance, which includes a promise to deport millions. According to flight tracking services, the planes took off around 10:45 a.m. and were expected in Caracas by 7:15 p.m. While the U.S. government did not disclose the identities of those aboard, there are concerns that some may face persecution upon their return.
The Venezuelan government confirmed its awareness of the incoming flights, stating that it had been informed by the U.S. about the presence of individuals associated with the Tren de Aragua criminal group among the deportees. A subsequent investigation is anticipated upon their arrival in Venezuela, subjecting these individuals to the scrutiny of Venezuelan law enforcement.
Notably, the Maduro regime has historically refrained from accepting deported Venezuelans, save for a brief period during the Biden administration. Yet, recent developments, such as a visit from Trump adviser Richard Grenell who helped secure the release of six American detainees in Venezuela, may suggest a shift in diplomatic dynamics.
As this situation unfolds, it brings to light the intricate connections between U.S. immigration policy and Venezuela's current political climate, further complicated by international legal actions against Maduro, who faces serious criminal accusations in the United States.
Julie Turkewitz serves as the Andes Bureau Chief reporting on pivotal issues across several South American nations.
