The United States has resumed deportation flights to Venezuela, with the first plane carrying nearly 200 Venezuelan migrants landing at La Guaira airport near Caracas. The repatriation follows an agreement between the two countries after a previous halt due to diplomatic and economic tensions.

The flight, which departed from the US, made a stop in Honduras before reaching Venezuela. Video footage showed some deportees celebrating upon arrival, while others expressed relief. Security personnel were heavily present at the airport.

The US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs stated that these individuals had no legal grounds to remain in the US and confirmed that deportation flights would continue.

Repatriations had been paused after the Trump administration revoked a license for Chevron’s operations in Venezuela. Tensions escalated when the US deported 238 Venezuelans to El Salvador, claiming they were part of the Tren de Aragua gang. Venezuelan officials denied the allegations and demanded their citizens’ return.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered an increase in flights to repatriate migrants detained in the US. The White House has not yet commented on the latest deportation flight.