**Fears for Deportees as Venezuela Faces Devastating Earthquakes**
On June 24, 2026, Venezuela experienced a catastrophic event as twin earthquakes struck the country, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The timing of these natural disasters has raised concerns for a group of over 140 Venezuelans who were deported from the United States just hours before the earthquakes hit.
A deportation flight from Miami landed in Caracas earlier on the same day, carrying a total of 146 individuals, including 19 women and seven children. This flight was part of an ongoing initiative by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport individuals back to their home countries. The deportees found themselves in a precarious situation as they were taken to a hotel in La Guaira, a coastal city that was severely affected by the earthquakes.
Survivors from the hotel have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences during the earthquakes. Lisbeth Portillo, one of the deportees, described the chaos that ensued as the ground shook. "I started hearing ‘papa, papa, papapa’, and I saw the women next to me start to fall," she recounted. Portillo, along with approximately 20 others, managed to escape the rubble and walked about 5 kilometers in search of help. She expressed her relief at surviving, stating, "I was born again; God gave me a second chance."
Reports indicate that the earthquakes have resulted in significant destruction across Venezuela, with the government estimating that more than 1,700 people have lost their lives. Rescue crews are currently engaged in a desperate search for survivors amid the rubble of collapsed buildings, including the hotel where the deportees were initially housed.
Another deportee, Jenny Rodriguez, also recounted her terrifying experience during the earthquakes. She was trapped under the debris and was fortunate to be rescued by a colleague who had been on the same deportation flight. "I managed to free my hand from the debris, grabbed him by the trousers, and begged for help," she said, expressing gratitude for her escape.
The deportation flight and the subsequent earthquakes have drawn attention to the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies. Under the administration of former President Donald Trump, there was a significant increase in deportations, with ICE tracking numerous flights to various countries, including Venezuela. In May 2026 alone, there were 12 deportation flights to Venezuela.
As rescue efforts continue in Venezuela, the fate of the deportees remains uncertain. Many are feared to be among the casualties as the country grapples with the aftermath of the earthquakes. The situation highlights the precarious circumstances faced by individuals who are deported to regions experiencing crises, raising questions about the responsibilities of nations in protecting their citizens.
The U.S. government has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the deportees and their current status. As the situation develops, the focus remains on rescue operations and providing aid to those affected by the earthquakes, including the recently deported individuals who have found themselves in a dire situation.