Rubio Warns Venezuela to Accept Deportation Flights or Face Harsh Sanctions

Rubio’s warning follows the Trump’s designation of Tren de Aragua gang members as ‘alien enemies,’ enabling their expedited deportation for national security.

A military flight carrying illegal immigrant members of the Tren de Aragua gang to Guantanamo Bay prepares to depart, in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 4, 2025. Courtesy of Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Venezuela that it will face harsh new sanctions if it refuses to accept deportation flights carrying Venezuelan nationals, including members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the Trump administration has targeted for quick removal from the United States.

“Venezuela is obligated to accept its repatriated citizens from the U.S. This is not an issue for debate or negotiation,” Rubio said in a March 18 post on social media. “Unless the Maduro regime accepts a consistent flow of deportation flights, without further excuses or delays, the U.S. will impose new, severe, and escalating sanctions.”