Venezuela Receives Nearly 200 Migrants Returned from Guantánamo Bay

In a significant development, nearly 200 Venezuelan migrants who had been detained at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, were flown back to their homeland this week. This repatriation follows a recent agreement between the United States and Venezuela, signaling a willingness from the South American nation to accept its citizens.

A total of 177 Venezuelans traveled aboard a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement flight. This flight made a brief stop in Honduras before arriving at the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Photographs captured the moment, revealing a group of men dressed in gray sweat suits waiting on the tarmac to board the aircraft.

Multiple Flights Facilitate Repatriation

Earlier this month, two additional flights also transported 190 Venezuelan migrants back to Venezuela. The coordinated efforts to return these individuals reflect a changing dynamic in the relationship between the U.S. and the Venezuelan government.

Trump’s Expansion of Detention Facilities

The discussions around the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants gained traction following remarks made by former President Donald Trump in January. At that time, Trump expressed a desire to expand detention facilities at Guantánamo, aiming to accommodate as many as 30,000 individuals. The detention center at the military base is predominantly known for its role in holding suspected terrorists after the events of September 11, 2001.

Trump stated, “Some of them are so bad that we don’t even trust the countries to hold them because we don’t want them coming back, so we’re going to send ‘em out to Guantánamo.” His comments underscored a growing concern regarding the safety and security of repatriating undocumented immigrants.

Venezuela’s Shift in Repatriation Policy

The recent acceptance by the Venezuelan government may indicate a willingness to consistently take back its citizens who have entered the U.S. illegally. Historically, Venezuela resisted accepting repatriation of its citizens. However, this trend appears to be changing, following extensive political discussions and investments in resources aimed at addressing the complex issues of immigration.

Federal immigration officials noted in a court document filed last week that Venezuela has started accepting deportations following high-level interactions with U.S. officials. This shift could lead to more effective repatriation processes in the future.

Link to Transnational Gang Activity

Reports have indicated that some Venezuelan migrants sent to Guantánamo Bay are linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, which has emerged as a focal point of attention concerning the threats posed by undocumented immigrants. Trump designated this gang as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this week, a decision that intensifies scrutiny on immigrant groups associated with criminal activities.

The characterization of Tren de Aragua adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about immigration and national security. By linking the gang to the broader issue of illegal immigration, Trump’s administration aims to underscore the risks associated with undocumented individuals entering the U.S.

Venezuela’s Stance on Terrorism

In response to these developments, President Nicolás Maduro’s government articulated a strong stance against terrorism and crime. Officials stated that Venezuela will continuously combat terrorism and reject any attempts to manipulate criminal organizations for political gain. This statement reflects a broader refusal to accept any negative characterization of Venezuelan citizens and their government.

The repatriation of these Venezuelan migrants highlights the evolving dynamics of immigration policies and international relations between Venezuela and the United States. As these changes unfold, the impact on both nations remains to be seen.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.