Maduro Celebrates Resumption of Deportation Flights Amid Tensions
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seen dancing at a rally in Caracas on Monday, coinciding with an agreement to resume deportation flights from the United States to Venezuela. This development comes despite escalating tensions between Maduro and President Donald Trump, who has intensified his rhetoric against the Venezuelan government.
At the rally, Maduro celebrated the election of new Venezuelan leaders, energetically dancing to a song that included the phrase, “no war, yes peace,” borrowing elements from one of his previous speeches. During his address, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Venezuelan people in the face of what he described as “American aggression.” Maduro stated, “Just as I swore before the body of our commander [Hugo] Chávez, I now swear to you absolute loyalty beyond this life,” pledging unwavering support for his administration.
Maduro was joined by his wife, Cilia Flores, who sported a red cap emblazoned with the slogan, “Doubt is Betrayal.” This rally was significant as it took place shortly after a brief phone conversation between Maduro and Trump, during which Maduro reportedly expressed a willingness to leave Venezuela if he and his family received full legal amnesty. Trump, however, rejected many of Maduro’s requests during their less than 15-minute discussion, leading to heightened tensions as a deadline for departure approached.
In the wake of this phone call, Trump has escalated his threats against Maduro’s regime, hinting at a potential ground invasion while the U.S. has increased its amphibious forces in the Caribbean. Over the weekend, Trump also declared that Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed. While this declaration does not grant him authority to enforce such a measure, it resulted in a notable decline in air traffic over Venezuela.
Questions arose regarding the deportation flights, which have continued this year under an agreement between Maduro and Trump. Despite the tensions, Maduro confirmed on Tuesday that deportation flights would resume. Eastern Airlines has submitted an application for the next scheduled flight, set to arrive on Wednesday. This year alone, more than 13,000 migrants have been deported to Venezuela via chartered flights, with the latest flight arriving just prior to Trump’s order to limit air traffic.
The complex dynamics between the U.S. and Venezuela will likely remain a focal point of international relations in the coming weeks, as both leaders navigate their respective domestic and foreign challenges.
