President-elect Donald Trump’s transition officials are currently engaged in discussions with various countries to accept Venezuelan deportees, as stated by incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz. Venezuelans constitute a significant portion of border crossings, and historically, the US has faced challenges in deporting them due to strained diplomatic relations with Venezuela. In the past, Mexico had agreed to accept some deportees for a limited period. Under the Biden administration, Venezuelan migrants were sent to Colombia if they had previously resided there.
The Trump administration is considering a similar approach. Waltz mentioned that the US might deport Venezuelans to countries willing to accept them. He emphasized the administration's intention to take aggressive action against criminal gangs, particularly MS-13 and Tren De Aragua, which are causing havoc in American cities. Waltz highlighted the demand from communities and neighbors for such actions.
When questioned about the challenge of deporting individuals to Venezuela, given the current diplomatic situation, Waltz acknowledged the issue but indicated ongoing conversations with multiple countries that might agree to receive the deportees.
