In a significant development, Venezuela has reached an agreement with the United States to resume repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants detained in the U.S. President Nicolás Maduro announced that these flights are set to commence on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

This decision comes in the wake of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations, primarily stemming from the U.S. deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. Under President Donald Trump's expedited deportation program, hundreds of Venezuelan migrants were transferred to a high-security prison in El Salvador, a move that has been met with criticism from the Venezuelan government.

President Maduro has publicly held El Salvador's President, Nayib Bukele, responsible for the treatment of these migrants, asserting that they had committed no crimes in either the U.S. or El Salvador. He emphasized the need to ensure their health and called for their immediate release and return to Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government has expressed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens abroad. Jorge Rodríguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly and chief negotiator with the U.S., stated that the resumption of repatriation flights aims to protect the human rights of Venezuelan migrants. He reiterated that migration is not a crime and vowed to continue efforts to bring back all citizens wishing to return.

The U.S. has labeled the deported individuals as members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a claim Venezuela firmly denies. Venezuelan officials have challenged these allegations, emphasizing the lack of substantial evidence provided by U.S. authorities.

The first repatriation flight under this renewed agreement is scheduled for March 23, 2025, marking a pivotal step in addressing the complex migration issues between Venezuela and the United States. Both governments have faced international scrutiny over their handling of migrant deportations, and this agreement may serve as a foundation for improved diplomatic relations and collaborative efforts to ensure the humane treatment of migrants.