Venezuela Roundup: Repatriation flights resume, appeal for foreign investment, American surfer detained

Venezuela to resume repatriation flights for irregular migrants in the US

Venezuela’s Chavista government confirmed on Thursday the resumption of repatriation flights for Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States, as part of the ongoing “Return to the Homeland” Plan. The announcement follows a renewed bilateral agreement reached with U.S. Special Envoy Richard Grenell. Merco Press reports that the initiative was formally announced by National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez, who attributed previous delays to Washington, citing the revocation of Chevron’s operating license in Venezuela by President Donald Trump as a contributing factor.

Chevron contractors still operating in Venezuela despite Trump ultimatum

Despite a Trump administration ultimatum that aimed to halt U.S. business activities in Venezuela, contractors working with oil giant Chevron have continued operations in the country, highlighting the complexities of enforcing sanctions amid shifting geopolitical and energy priorities, inkl reports.

Venezuelan gov't appeals for foreign investment ahead of oil sanctions deadline

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking international investment as the country braces for a new wave of U.S. sanctions targeting the oil sector. In a televised meeting on Tuesday, Maduro declared Venezuela open to foreign investment in oil, gas, petrochemicals, and refining, urging global partners to "produce and make profits." Despite offering incentives, Venezuela’s oil industry continues to struggle with underinvestment, poor maintenance, and U.S. sanctions, which have deterred even non-U.S. firms. Maduro also reviewed key national projects and called for plans focused on production, domestic supply, and exports, reports Venezuelanalysis.

American Kitesurfer detained for months in Venezuela

People reports that Lucas Hunter, 37, was motorcycling and kitesurfing along Colombia’s northern coast when he sent a chilling voice note to his sister Sophie: he had been seized by Venezuelan military forces after accidentally approaching the border. "They took me across the border. I’m being held in Venezuela, help me," he said. Sophie, 30, who lives in Switzerland, says she immediately feared the worst. "He was trying not to scare me, but I could tell he was terrified," she recalls. The siblings had planned to travel together, but after Sophie fell ill, Lucas went ahead alone with his non-refundable ticket and passion for kitesurfing.

Venezuelan community heads to DC to urge Trump admin against Maduro engagement

Members of the Venezuelan-American community are launching a renewed effort to raise awareness about what they describe as the threat posed by Nicolás Maduro’s regime to the United States. inkl reports that leading the charge is the Venezuelan-American civic organization IVAC, which is organising its fourth caravan to Washington, D.C., with a clear message: Maduro’s criminal network poses a serious risk to U.S. national security.