The Venezuelan government announced on Thursday that the United States has “unilaterally” suspended a deportation flight set to arrive in Caracas on December 12. This decision has raised concerns about the impact on a coordinated repatriation program aimed at returning Venezuelan nationals detained in the United States. The Venezuelan Interior Ministry described the suspension as a disruption, urging Washington to “rectify sooner rather than later.”
In response, a U.S. administration official contested this assertion, stating to Reuters that “there is nothing true about this,” while confirming that deportation flights to Venezuela “will continue.” However, the official did not clarify if the scheduled flight on December 12 would proceed as planned. This situation emerges against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, which have intensified in recent days.
Rising Tensions and Military Presence
Earlier this week, the Trump administration took significant actions, including seizing a Venezuelan oil tanker and deploying additional warships and aircraft near Venezuela as part of its anti-narcotics missions. The Venezuelan Interior Ministry expressed that the suspension of the deportation flight “contradicts the official discourse of the United States regarding the situation of migrants in its territory” and generates uncertainty among Venezuelan families anticipating reunification.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to welcoming back its citizens, stating it would guarantee support for their reintegration into society. Despite the escalating geopolitical climate, deportation flights had been consistently scheduled. According to official data, Venezuela has received 98 deportation flights since January, typically occurring on Wednesdays and Fridays. The most recent flight, arriving this past Wednesday, brought back 218 deportees, as reported by NTN24.
Implications of Temporary Protected Status
The increase in deportations coincides with the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans in the United States, which occurred in November. This policy change has left hundreds of thousands at risk of deportation after the Supreme Court allowed the administration’s decision to move forward. According to Human Rights First’s ICE Flight Monitor, an estimated 10,200 Venezuelans were deported between February and early October.
As tensions continue to rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, the implications of these deportation flights and the future of Venezuelans in the United States remain uncertain. The Venezuelan government has reiterated its willingness to assist returning citizens, while the U.S. administration maintains its stance on deportations amid its broader geopolitical strategy.
