178 Venezuelan migrants return from the US under ‘Vuelta a la Patria’ program. Govt vows to continue repatriation despite sanctions, logistical hurdles, and disputed narratives.

Related:

Venezuela Announces Repatriation Flights Amid Criticism of Migrant Treatment Abroad

178 Venezuelans Repatriated from the U.S. via ‘Vuelta a la Patria’ Program

A group of 178 Venezuelan citizens—16 women and 162 men—returned to Venezuela from the United States on Thursday through the government’s repatriation initiative, Vuelta a la Patria (Return to the Homeland). Venezuela’s Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, announced the repatriation, stressing that the process relies on coordination with U.S. authorities.

Logistical Challenges and U.S. Coordination Issues

Cabello acknowledged logistical hurdles in the U.S., including discrepancies in the number of migrants scheduled for return. “They announce one quantity, but when the plane arrives, we receive another. Once they organize, we’ll be ready to bring our compatriots home,” he stated. Despite these challenges, he affirmed Venezuela’s commitment: “As long as planes can fly, retrieving our citizens will remain a priority.”

Sanctions Hamper Repatriation Efforts

The minister highlighted obstacles posed by U.S. economic sanctions and blockade measures, which restrict access to airplane spare parts and maintenance. However, he assured that safety protocols remain intact to guarantee secure returns for migrants.

Government Defends Deportees: ‘Workers, Not Criminals’

Cabello pushed back against criminalizing narratives, asserting that 90% of Venezuelans detained in El Salvador had no criminal records. “These are workers, not criminals. Families have requested background checks and found nothing,” he said. He criticized the portrayal of returnees as threats, linking it to broader geopolitical agendas.

Cabello Denounces ‘Tren de Aragua’ Narrative as Fabricated

The minister dismissed claims linking Venezuelan migrants to the Tren de Aragua criminal group as a “capitalist-driven lie” tied to drug trafficking interests. He accused former Colombian presidents of shielding the group’s members to tarnish Venezuela’s image. “This is a lie, and we’ve proven it,” he declared.

‘Vuelta a la Patria’: A Lifeline Amid Migration Crisis

The program continues to serve as a key repatriation tool, reflecting Venezuela’s pledge to support citizens abroad despite complex migration dynamics and international pressures.

EN ESTA NOTA: