The deportation flight to Venezuela resumed on Sunday after a week-long conflict between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government, indicating that deals had reached between the two countries.
The flight carrying 199 illegal foreigners, including members of the violent Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang, was confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Venezuela, which landed on Sunday, with Fox News Digital.
The Trump administration has vowed to sign a contract to accept flights carrying deportees from the Venezuelan government, but the relocation regularity has been restricted after President Nicolas Maduro halted flights earlier this month, with only four flights received by the Venezuelan government since Trump took office.
Venezuela resumes accepting US deportation flights
Venezuelan immigrants who flew from Guantanamo Bay via Guantanamo Bay will walk the ladder after arriving on a deportation flight at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Michaelitia, Laguayra, Venezuela, on February 20, 2025.
Maduro refused to accept flights after the US announced it would end Biden-era permit that allowed Chevron to export Venezuelan oil and effectively shut down the country’s main source of revenue.
However, Venezuelan officials confirmed that the deal was reached on Saturday.
“Venezuela, within the framework of its return to land planning and with the goal of bringing our fellow nations back to their country with the protection of their human rights, told the US government on Sunday, March 23rd, Venezuela Rodrig, lord of the Venezuei secret signigentiat. Posted on X by the network Telesur.
Flight tracking data shows the plane departing from El Paso by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and was scheduled to land at Sotocano Air Force Base in Honduras on Sunday afternoon. The second plane, run by Venezuela’s airline Combiassa, was set to land at an air force base within an hour of the ice arrival.
It could reverse Biden-Maduro’s decision to kill oil trade. Instead, apply tariffs to avoid damaging US businesses.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will address supporters at the event to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the social uprising known as the “Caracazo.”
The deal comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed that Venezuela would face “serious, escalating sanctions” if the country continues to refuse to accept citizens facing deportation.
“Venezuela is obligated to accept repatriated citizens from the United States. This is not a matter of discussion or negotiation,” Rubio wrote in X. “The reward is worthless. Unless the Maduro administration accepts a consistent flow of deportation without further excuses or delays, the US imposes a new, serious, escalated approach.”
The Trump administration did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
In recent weeks, around 350 migrants have been deported to Venezuela. This includes around 180 individuals who were detained at a US Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
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President Donald Trump will hold his first Cabinet meeting on February 26, 2025, while sitting next to Secretary of State Marco Rubio of Washington, DC (Reuters/Brian Snyder)
Last week, the Trump administration joined forces with President Naive Buquere to fly more than 200 Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador’s high security prison, despite the federal judge’s orders temporarily blocking deportation.
“Moving is not a crime. We will not rest until we achieve the return of all those who need it, and until we save our temptation brothers in El Salvador,” Rodriguez said.
Madura also continued to condemn the flight, mentioning that a Venezuelan in custody in El Salvador on Saturday was being detained as a “daughter.”
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In an interview with Fox News Radio, Rubio thanked Bukele for his country accepting immigrants.
“Venezuela should take them, but they refuse to take them,” Rubio said. “So we are fortunate to have friends like President Bukere who said as part of my meeting with him we will take some of the things that cost you to accommodate them in your own prison system.”
Louis Casiano and Anders Hagstrom of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Julia Bonavita is a US writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team Drone Pilot. You can follow her on @juliabonavita13 on all platforms and send story tips to julia.bonavita@fox.com.
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