Venezuelans Deported Before Earthquake Reported Missing

Many Venezuelans deported from the U.S. just hours before a series of earthquakes in Venezuela are reported missing. The earthquakes, which struck on Wednesday, resulted in approximately 1,700 fatalities.

Among those deported was Lisbeth Portillo, who had been staying at a hotel in La Guaira when the earthquakes hit. She described the chaos as she witnessed people scrambling for safety.

Portillo, who had previously escaped the rubble, was among 146 Venezuelans deported on a flight monitored by human rights organizations. Other deportees, like Jenni Rodriguez and Liliana Roja, also shared their traumatic experiences.

Rodriguez was trapped under debris, while Roja was searching for her partner who was detained in El Paso, Texas. The U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement's deportation flights to Venezuela resumed in February 2025 after a 13-month pause, with 288 flights recorded to 38 countries, including Venezuela.