In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuela has authorized the continuation of U.S.-operated deportation flights despite escalating tensions between the two nations. The administration of President Nicolás Maduro reversed its earlier position on Tuesday, confirming that twice-weekly flights transporting deported migrants would proceed following an official request from the Trump administration.
This reversal comes just days after Venezuelan authorities had indicated that U.S. immigration officials had unilaterally suspended the deportation program. Documentation revealed that U.S.-based Eastern Airlines submitted formal overflight and landing applications on Monday, seeking permission for arrivals commencing Wednesday. Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister made these applications publicly available.
The continuation of deportation operations occurs against a backdrop of heightened military activity. Recent U.S. military strikes targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific and near Venezuela’s Caribbean coast have not disrupted the migration program. The Trump administration maintains these operations target drug cartels allegedly connected to Maduro’s government, while simultaneously considering potential strikes on the Venezuelan mainland.
This year has witnessed a substantial increase in deportations, with over 13,000 migrants returned to Venezuela via dozens of chartered flights. The policy shift represents a significant departure from Maduro’s long-standing refusal to accept deportees from the United States, a position abandoned under substantial White House pressure. Regular arrivals now occur at Caracas’ international airport through flights operated by both U.S. government contractors and Venezuela’s state-owned airline.