A deportation flight from Miami carrying 146 Venezuelans—including 19 women and 7 children—arrived in Venezuela on June 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The deportees were taken to the Hotel Santuario La Llanada in La Guaira, where they were undergoing medical exams and processing [1, 2, 4].
Hours later, twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela near La Guaira, causing widespread destruction and the collapse of the hotel housing the deportees [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. At least 1,700 people died and over 10,000 were injured, with thousands still missing [1, 2, 4].
Many deportees were trapped in the rubble after the hotel collapse. Survivor Lisbeth Portillo described hearing cries for help as women next to her fell and screamed. She recalled walking about 5 kilometers after escaping and said, "I cried and cried … there was no communication. I was born again; God gave me a second chance. I am traumatized" [2, 4].
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the flight safely reached Venezuela, stating, "When an individual is no longer in ICE custody, ICE is no longer responsible for them" [1]. U.S. deportations to Venezuela resumed in February 2025 after a 13-month pause, with 12 flights alone in May 2026 [2, 4].
It is unclear why the deportees were removed from the U.S., whether for illegal border crossing or other reasons [1].
The next known event related to deportations is the ongoing aftermath of the earthquake, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing following the disaster that struck hours after the deportees’ arrival [1, 2, 4].
