Venezuelans deported by the US hours before the deadly earthquake struck are missing

Venezuelans Deported by U.S. Hours Before Earthquake Still Missing

Tragic Timing of Deportation Flight

Venezuelans deported by the US hours – More than 100 Venezuelans, recently repatriated by the U.S. government, remain unaccounted for after a catastrophic hotel collapse in La Guaira during a series of devastating earthquakes. The incident, which occurred just hours before the tremors, has left families in a state of despair, with many fearing the worst as search teams continue to sift through the rubble. The hotel, located near the coast and just north of Caracas, served as a temporary shelter for those deported under immigration protocols, highlighting the precarious situation of the group in the days leading up to the disaster.

Deportation Details and Initial Response

A commercial flight from Miami to Simón Bolívar International Airport arrived at 10:22 a.m. local time on Wednesday, carrying 146 individuals, including 19 women and seven children. These deportees had been detained under immigration policies and were scheduled for return to Venezuela. According to the ICE Flight Monitor, the repatriation process has been ongoing since October, with hundreds of Venezuelans being sent back weekly. The timing of this particular flight, however, has sparked controversy as it coincided with the seismic event that claimed over 1,943 lives.

“They are not giving us answers about where she is. If she is there at a hospital or at the morgue. We have already checked all of that and we haven’t found her.”

Luis Armando Dasilva, a relative of Amanda Donizete, a deportee who vanished in the earthquake, described his anguish during a CNN interview. Donizete had been working in Georgia for three years, fleeing Venezuela’s worsening crisis. Her return home was intended as a reunion, but the disaster has shattered that hope, leaving her family without news for five days. Dasilva’s plea underscores the emotional strain on families as they await clarity on their loved ones’ fates.

Immigration Agency’s Stance on Responsibility

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was not liable for the deportees during the earthquake. “This flight safely reached Venezuela, and all individuals on board were returned home. Once someone is no longer in ICE custody, the agency is not responsible for their safety,” the statement claimed. While this attempts to shift blame, critics argue that the decision to send the group to a vulnerable location hours before the quake raises questions about the timing and preparedness of the deportation plan.

Search and Rescue Operations in Progress

Rescue teams are still working tirelessly in La Guaira to locate survivors or recover bodies for identification. The U.S. has committed to supporting the relief efforts, sending specialized teams and allocating over $300 million to aid Venezuelans affected by the disaster. Yet, families question whether the government prioritized rapid deportation over ensuring the safety of those sent back. As days pass, the urgency for answers grows, with relatives demanding transparency about the fate of their loved ones.

Humanitarian Crisis and Deportation Trends

The current wave of deportations reflects broader U.S. immigration policies aimed at strict enforcement. In October, the Supreme Court upheld a decision to end Temporary Protected Status for 300,000 Venezuelan migrants. This action has led to increased deportations, with many individuals sent back to their homeland under the guise of repatriation. The earthquake has added a tragic layer to this policy, as families now grapple with the loss of loved ones who were once hopeful about their return.

As the search continues, the focus remains on the human cost of the disaster. The timing of the deportation flight, which arrived just hours before the tremors, has intensified scrutiny of the U.S. government’s role in the tragedy. While official statements assert that ICE is not responsible, the emotional toll on families and the unresolved mystery of the missing deportees underscore the need for further investigation and support.