Deportation flights for Venezuelan illegal migrants have resumed, with the first flight taking off through Honduras on March 24, 2025. This marked a significant development since the Venezuelan government and the Trump administration struck a deal to begin accepting the deportees once again. According to a statement by Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly in Venezuela, the government has restarted the repatriation process of Venezuelan migrants from the United States. "Migration is not a crime, and we are committed to bringing back all those who need it," Rodríguez emphasized.

The maiden flight, operated by the state airline Conviasa, touched down at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Vargas after making a brief stop in Honduras for a change of aircraft. Reports from Honduran TV station Canal 6 highlighted that the transfer process of the 199 Venezuelan migrants was conducted smoothly and securely.

Following the deportation, the US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs clarified that the migrants had no legal grounds to stay in the United States and anticipated more deportation flights to Venezuela in the future. Despite the circumstances, footage circulating on social media depicted the deportees onboard the aircraft expressing relief and jubilation, albeit still in handcuffs.

Prior to this development, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had suspended the deportation flights after the US Treasury Department revoked Chevron's license to export oil from Venezuela. The situation escalated further when US President Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, granting authorities the power to detain, relocate, or deport immigrants based on their country of origin. The statement alluded to Tren de Aragua (TdA) being labeled a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization' with ties to the Nicolas Maduro regime, raising concerns about unlawful activities infiltrating the US.

The resumption of deportation flights has brought a mix of relief and uncertainty among Venezuelan migrants, signaling a new chapter in the ongoing immigration dynamics between the US and Venezuela. Stay tuned for more updates on Pilotcenter.net News as the situation continues to unfold.