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The Venezuelan government reported this Monday that two defectors from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) were among the 190 migrants deported from the United States to Caracas last week.
The interior minister of that dictatorship, Diosdado Cabello, assured that both received the "appropriate treatment" and their human rights were respected, although he did not provide details about their identities or legal situation, according to the agency EFE.
However, the Organic Code of Military Justice of Venezuela establishes that military desertion is punishable by expulsion from the FANB and prison sentences of up to eight years, with aggravating factors if the crime is committed abroad.
During the press conference broadcasted by the state channel VTV, Cabello reiterated that none of the deported individuals belong to the Tren de Aragua, refuting earlier claims from Washington that pointed to the presence of individuals linked to the criminal organization on the flights.
However, it was indicated that, following a review of criminal records, it was determined that 17 of the repatriated individuals have outstanding issues with Venezuelan justice for crimes committed between 2010 and 2018.
Cabello assured that the authorities, including the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (Dgcim), are handling the cases of the deportees with criminal records.
The deportation process is occurring amidst a recent rapprochement between Caracas and Washington, following the meeting in January between Nicolás Maduro and the U.S. Special Representative, Richard Grenell, in which it was agreed to accept deported migrants in exchange for the release of six American citizens detained in Venezuela.
It is also known that at least 150 members of the Tren de Aragua have been deported to the Guantanamo Naval Base, located in eastern Cuba.
United States and deportation flights to Venezuela
Just this past Monday, the United States began deportation flights to Venezuela, a development that occurred much faster than anticipated and confirmed the tightening of immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump.
In parallel, the government of dictator Maduro responded by reactivating the Plan Vuelta a la Patria and sent planes to repatriate Venezuelan citizens from U.S. territory.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation of Migrants from the U.S. to Venezuela
How many Venezuelan migrants were deported from the U.S. recently?
A total of 190 Venezuelan migrants were deported from the United States to Venezuela on the first repatriation flights. These flights are part of the agreement between the governments of Donald Trump and Nicolás Maduro.
Who are the two military deserters deported to Venezuela?
The government of Venezuela reported that among those deported are two deserters from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB). However, the authorities have not provided details about their identities or legal status.
What implications does the agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela regarding deportations have?
The agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela allows for the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants in exchange for the release of American citizens detained in Venezuela. This rapprochement between the two countries occurs despite the fact that the U.S. does not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro's government. Additionally, the agreement could influence future political or economic concessions between the nations.
What is the situation of the deported Venezuelans in Guantánamo?
Some Venezuelans, deemed dangerous criminals, have been deported to the Guantanamo Naval Base. This measure has been criticized by human rights organizations due to the lack of access to legal counsel and adequate conditions. A total of 23 illegal immigrants are reported in Guantanamo, although it has not been confirmed that they are all Venezuelans.
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