Immigrants in Venezuela Greeted with Respect while Pressuring for Continued Conversations with Trump

Title: Tides Turning: The Return of Venezuelan Migrants under "Return to the Homeland" Program

Under the warm Caribbean sun, a new chapter unfolded on February 11, 2025. An aircraft touched down at Simón Bolivar International Airport, marking the start of a sizeable return for Venezuelan migrants after an agreement between Washington and Caracas. This significant event was the culmination of the Venezuelan government's "Return to the Homeland" program - a compassionate initiative to welcome back nationals who had left their homeland in pursuit of better opportunities.

Before the sunrise, two planes, adorned with the insignia of Conviasa, the Venezuelan state-owned airline, soared into the skies from Fort Bliss, Texas, carrying around 190 Venezuelans. The returning nationals were met with empathy and care upon their arrival by Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, the International Red Cross, and various other organizations. Uniting amid their homeland, these individuals expressed their deep respect for their nation by singing the national anthem, showcasing their dedication to their homeland.

The planes' arrival marked a revitalization of the "Return to the Homeland" program, a government initiative conceived back in 2018. Since its inception, this program has facilitated the return of tens of thousands of Venezuelan migrants, the majority hailing from Latin American countries, in a safe and orderly manner. While the program was briefly halted in October 2023 due to US restrictions on flights and sanctions, it has now resumed thanks to open dialogue between the Venezuelan and US governments.

The agreement between the administrations, facilitated by White House Special Envoy Richard Grenell, focused on several critical issues. These included the situation of Venezuelan migrants, US economic sanctions, diplomatic communication, and the release of six US nationals who returned home alongside Grenell. The Venezuelan government emphasized that the safe return of migrants would be the utmost priority while ensuring respect and adherence to their human rights.

Caracas has fiercely condemned the negative connotations surrounding the "Tren de Aragua" transnational crime organization, which has poorly represented all Venezuelan migrants and the country as a whole. Offering assurance, they asserted that most migrants are honest, hardworking citizens and that Venezuela is a safe haven on the continent. Consequently, they have vowed to conduct meticulous background checks on individuals, maintaining a commitment to justice.

These events come after the Trump administration scrapped the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 600,000 Venezuelans residing in the US. This decision prompted controversy and beckoned forth questions regarding the treatment of migrants, including accusations of criminal involvement, excessive use of force, and inadequate legal representation.

The Venezuelan leader, Maduro, hailed the return of the 190 migrants in a display of empathy. "This marks the world we strive for: one of peace, understanding, dialogue, and cooperation," he declared. Maduro reaffirmed that the current migratory crisis is a direct consequence of the US-led economic sanctions, urging the removal of all sanctions to ensure that no more Venezuelans would leave their homeland and those abroad could return to contribute to rebuilding their nation.

While the Venezuelan migratory flow has notably decreased, with the Darien Gap seeing a 94 percent drop in January compared to the previous year, there are signs of recovery in Venezuela's economy, a reduction in inflation, and increased food production encouraging the return of some former émigrés.

Edited by Cira Pascual Marquina in Caracas and José Luis Granados Cejas in Mexico City, Mexico.

[Amended on February 18]

[Enrichment Data: Additional statistics on the "Return to the Homeland" program were incorporated to provide context and detail.]

Despite the ongoing complexities of Venezuelan politics and general-news, the Venezuelan government's "Return to the Homeland" program, initially conceived in 2018, saw a reactivation on Monday, February 11, 2025, with the safe transportation of 190 migrants back to their homeland.
The Venezuelan migrants, originally residing in Fort Bliss, Texas, were transported back to their homeland on Monday, despite the challenges in the past such as the halt in October 2023 due to US restrictions on flights and sanctions.
During the reactivation of the program on Monday, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, the International Red Cross, and various other organizations expressed care and empathy towards the returning migrants, the majority of whom were Venezuelan migrants who had left their homeland seeking better opportunities.
In a speech, Venezuelan leader Maduro, despite accusations of criminal involvement and inadequate legal representation, hailed the return of the 190 migrants and emphasized the Venezuelan government's commitment to ensuring the safe return of migrants and respecting their human rights, despite the negativity surrounding groups like the Tren de Aragua transnational crime organization.