U.S. Deports 147 Venezuelans in First Flight After Quakes

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted a removal flight on August 3, 2026, returning 147 Venezuelan nationals to Barcelona, Venezuela. This operation represents the first deportation flight since a series of devastating earthquakes in late June killed more than 5,500 people and destroyed critical infrastructure in Venezuela, specifically within La Guaira.

The resumption of flights follows a period of controversy surrounding a June 24 removal operation. Dozens of deportees from that flight are believed to have died when a holding center operated by Venezuelan intelligence collapsed during the seismic activity. While the agency confirmed the August 3 flight, it did not specify if this action constitutes a formal resumption of all removal operations.

These deportations are part of an agreement established after the United States captured President Nicolás Maduro in January. That agreement expanded deportation schedules to up to three times per week following the termination of legal protections for Venezuelan migrants.