In a recent development, 177 migrants were deported from the United States military base in Guantanamo, Cuba back to their home country, Venezuela. The deportees were flown to Honduras from where they were transferred to Venezuela. The Venezuelan Interior Minister welcomed the group upon their arrival in Venezuela. It was noted that this deportation was part of a coordinated effort between the US and Venezuelan governments, which would have seemed unlikely in the past due to strained relations.
The Venezuelan government stated that these deportees were all Venezuelan nationals who were held in Guantanamo. The handover of the migrants was said to be a direct request from the Venezuelan government to the US administration, reflecting a shift in relations since President Trump assumed office.
Venezuela expressed its satisfaction in repatriating its citizens who were unjustly taken to Guantanamo, highlighting a move towards reconciliation and cooperation. This deportation follows a similar action where 135 migrants, including children, of various nationalities were deported to Costa Rica as part of a wider repatriation effort by the US government. Costa Rica and Panama are functioning as transit points for migrants being deported from the US.
The operation signifies a positive step in international relations between the US and Venezuela, showcasing a mutual agreement on addressing immigration issues and facilitating the return of individuals to their home countries.