Passengers of a repatriation flight arriving from México exit the Conviasa jet that brought them back to Venezuela, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Photo: X/@la_iguanatv.
Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com)—A group of 311 Venezuelans—repatriated from México through the Return to the Homeland Program—have landed at Simón Bolívar Maiquetía International Airport in La Guaira state this Thursday, March 20. The returnees included 161 adults and 150 minors, 21 of whom had traveled unaccompanied.
Despite the US empire’s statements claiming that the repatriation flight was not going to happen and blaming Venezuela for the delay in resuming repatriation flights from the US entity, the Venezuelan migrants stranded in México were received by Venezuelan authorities with full respect and human dignity. This contrasts significantly with the treatment received by Venezuelan migrants from the US government.
Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s interior minister, greeted the arrivals, stating, “we have rescued this new group of men, women, and children from violence and persecution, far from the repression imposed by the United States on Venezuelans based on their nationality or appearance.” The migrants were welcomed by security forces, Transportation Minister Ramón Velázquez Araguayan, and medical teams prepared to provide immediate care.
Cabello outlined that standard repatriation protocols—including medical evaluations, identification processes (particularly for minors), and criminal background checks—would be followed to identify any individuals with pending legal cases in Venezuela. “Some children traveled alone and will receive specialized pediatric care, while others with health concerns will be prioritized,” he added.
He reported that the repatriation was made possible through a bilateral agreement between Venezuela and México, highlighting that “this is how nations should collaborate: without threats or abuse,” in reference to the abusive US imperial approach toward dealing with Latin American nations.
The returning migrants stepped onto Venezuelan soil with visible joy and relief, many bursting into heartfelt renditions of the national anthem and waving flags with pride. Minister Cabello noted that those who spoke to him after landing overwhelmingly expressed a desire to advocate for fellow Venezuelans facing mistreatment by the US government.
Fourth wave of repatriations
This marks the fourth group of Venezuelans repatriated under the plan so far:
- The first group (190 men) arrived from the US entity on February 10.
- The second (177 men) were returned from the Guantanamo Bay US military base (illegally occupying Cuba) on February 20.
- The third (242 Venezuelans from Mexico) included 94 men, 74 women, and 75 adolescents.
“The Return to the Homeland Program is active today, not years from now,” Cabello stated, reaffirming the program’s ongoing commitment. “We’re ready to welcome every Venezuelan who wishes to come home.”
Humanitarian exceptions
Two Colombian nationals have also arrived on previous flights in this program. “We provided them care and coordinated their safe return to Colombia,” Cabello explained. “Venezuela does not persecute people; we ensure families are reunited through proper channels.”
Efforts to free kidnapped Venezuelans
Cabello further emphasized the Venezuelan government’s efforts to repatriate Venezuelans detained abroad, including those transferred by the US empire to a prison in El Salvador. “These citizens were labeled criminals without trial,” he reported. “The Venezuelan government, under President Maduro, will bring them home too.”
Special for Orinoco Tribune by staff
OT/JRE/AU
