Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seen dancing at a rally in Caracas as deportation flights between the United States and Venezuela are set to resume. This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Maduro’s government and the administration of President Donald Trump. The rally took place on Monday, where Maduro joined crowds celebrating newly elected Venezuelan leaders.
During the event, Maduro danced to a song featuring the lyrics, “no war, yes peace,” which draws from one of his own speeches. In a passionate address, he expressed unwavering loyalty to the Venezuelan people, stating, “Just as I swore before the body of our commander [Hugo] Chávez, […] I now swear to you absolute loyalty beyond this life.” His remarks emphasized a commitment to stand firm against perceived American aggression, declaring, “Be certain that I will never fail you — never, ever, never.”
Resumption of Deportation Flights
Maduro’s reaffirmation of support for his citizens comes in the wake of a brief phone call he had with President Trump last month. During this conversation, Maduro reportedly expressed a willingness to leave Venezuela if he and his family were granted legal amnesty. Trump rejected most of Maduro’s requests, with the conversation lasting less than 15 minutes. The deadline for Maduro to leave the country expired on March 1, 2024.
In response to ongoing tensions, Trump has intensified threats against Maduro’s regime, speculating that a ground invasion could be considered as the United States increases its military presence in the Caribbean. Over the weekend, Trump declared that Venezuela’s airspace would be closed, a move that, while lacking legal authority, resulted in a noticeable decline in air traffic over the nation.
Despite these developments, the U.S. has maintained an agreement to deport migrants back to Venezuela, with more than 13,000 individuals deported via chartered flights this year alone. Following Trump’s order, questions arose regarding the fate of the deportation flights. On Tuesday, Maduro confirmed that these flights would resume, as Eastern Airlines submitted an application for the arrival of the next scheduled flight.
The latest deportation flight is set for Wednesday, marking a continuation of a controversial process that has seen thousands of migrants returned to their home country amidst ongoing political strife. The last flight prior to the halt due to Trump’s order arrived shortly before the announcement, indicating a complex interplay of diplomatic relations and human rights issues.
As the situation evolves, the implications of these deportation flights and the escalating rhetoric between the two nations remain critical to monitor. The dynamics between Maduro and Trump reflect broader geopolitical tensions that continue to shape the landscape in Latin America and beyond.