Venezuela will resume accepting deported nationals from the United States under a renewed agreement with the Trump administration, President Nicolás Maduro announced Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in immigration diplomacy after months of tension. "Tomorrow, thanks to the government's perseverance, we'll resume flights to continue rescuing and freeing migrants from prisons in the United States," Maduro said in a televised address, according to the BBC. The development comes after Caracas suspended deportation flights in March in response to the U.S. Treasury Department's decision to revoke Chevron's license to export Venezuelan oil — a move strongly condemned by Maduro's government. The earlier repatriation deal had been brokered by Trump's special envoy, Richard Grenell, and was praised by President Donald Trump as a key step toward addressing illegal immigration. "Venezuela has agreed to receive, back into their country, all Venezuela illegal aliens who were encamped in the US, including gang members of Tren de Aragua," Trump posted on Truth Social at the time. "Venezuela has further agreed to supply the transportation back." Following the suspension of deportation flights, the U.S. deported 238 Venezuelans — alleged members of the Tren de Aragua criminal group — to El Salvador on March 15, where they were placed in a high-security prison. U.S. authorities have not disclosed the names or provided evidence linking the individuals to gang activity. Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, said the new deal ensures "the return of our compatriots to their nation with the safeguard of their Human Rights." He stressed that "migrating isn't a crime," and vowed to work for the return of those detained abroad, including in El Salvador. The deportations have also sparked legal controversy in the U.S. after federal judge James Boesberg attempted to block the flights to El Salvador under a verbal order, citing concerns over the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as a legal basis. Despite the order, the deportations proceeded. The White House denied violating the judge's directive. Judge Boesberg has since requested additional explanations from government attorneys, with a legal hearing scheduled for next week. — Agencies
