Venezuela Roundup: Migrants fetched from US, issues of sex trafficking, Panama blocks migrants
Panama blocks migrant caravan trying to go home to Venezuela
Panamanian police blocked a migrant caravan, primarily consisting of Venezuelans, attempting to return home after abandoning their journey to the U.S. due to Donald Trump's deportation policies. These migrants were forced back to Costa Rica for orderly repatriation. Many had opted to return to avoid hunger and hardship during their trek. Costa Rican Security Minister Mario Zamora emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and legal migration flows, BSS News reports. Migrants will undergo biometric checks in Costa Rica before being repatriated to their home countries. Following a recent U.S. agreement, Panama has implemented stricter controls and deportations of migrants.
Regularisation points for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia closed
Regularisation points for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia have been closed, affecting those in Bogotá who were in the process of obtaining permits to regularise their status. This has raised concerns among migrants attempting to navigate the process, as reported by VOA.
DOJ charges 8 Venezuelan gang members with sex trafficking women in Tennessee
Eight Venezuelan gang members have been indicted for sex trafficking women from South America to Tennessee, operating an illegal enterprise out of Nashville motels from July 2022 to March 2024. A ninth suspect was also arrested in Texas. The defendants, who lack legal status in the U.S., face charges including conspiracy to commit prostitution and sex trafficking, with penalties ranging from five years to life in prison for some. UPI reports that they recruited vulnerable women from impoverished regions and exploited them through online advertisements. Officials emphasised the commitment to combat human trafficking and hold traffickers accountable. The case involves the Tren de Aragua gang, known for various criminal activities, including drug trafficking.
Some new-arrival Venezuelan migrants in Chicago face threat of deportation
Newly arrived Venezuelan migrants in Chicago face potential deportation as President Trump accelerates the timeline to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS), arguing for improved conditions in Venezuela. However, many Venezuelans dispute this claim, citing worsening political and economic conditions. Migrants express fears of returning home, with one restaurant owner emphasising their contributions to society. According to ABC, the Illinois Venezuelan Society notes an increase in calls from anxious migrants, some having given up their passports, leaving them with no safe return options. Many are prepared to live in the shadows, fearing for their safety if sent back. Some remain hopeful for a change in Trump’s decision.
Venezuela fetches undocumented migrants from the US
Venezuela sent two planes to repatriate nearly 200 undocumented migrants from the U.S., expressing hopes for improved relations with Washington, despite the U.S. not recognising Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president. Meanwhile, former President Trump promised a large-scale deportation campaign targeting millions of undocumented immigrants, primarily from Latin America, Daily Journal reports.
