Some Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. are missing after two earthquakes struck the country last week, with families confirming some have died. The deportees arrived in Venezuela just hours before the tremors hit, according to NBC News. Among the missing is José Rafael Rossi Ydrogo, who had been deported after being detained during an ICE check-in in Texas. His wife, Enit Hernández, reported that he called her shortly before the earthquakes began, saying he was being sent back to Venezuela.
Key Details
The deportees were processed at the Hotel Santuario La Llanada in La Guaira, a region that suffered significant damage during the earthquakes. The hotel collapsed, and local officials confirmed that many of the deportees were in the vicinity when the earthquakes occurred. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the deportation flight safely reached Venezuela, and once individuals are no longer in ICE custody, the agency is not responsible for their welfare.
Background
The deportation flight included 146 Venezuelans, comprising 19 women and seven children, as reported by Human Rights First. Families are now left to search for their loved ones amid the chaos following the natural disaster. The situation highlights the risks faced by deportees returning to volatile regions.
Related coverage: Venezuelan Earthquakes Leave Deportees Missing After.
Sources: nbcnews.com, dw.com.
Limited direct market relevance; the development matters more for humanitarian concerns than for traded assets. Investors will watch for updates on the condition of the missing deportees and any potential governmental response to the situation.