US‑deported Venezuelans urge authorities to restore custody of their children
Caracas Protest Targets Return of Children Separated by U.S. Deportation
Hundreds gathered in Caracas on Thursday demanding the repatriation of at least thirty children who remain in the United States after being separated from their Venezuelan parents during U.S. deportation.
Mother Pleads for Daughter’s Return
Mariale Castellano, deported on May 28, was among the protestors. The 26‑year‑old mother spoke about her nine‑year‑old daughter still living in the United States under the care of a foster family:
- “I had been waiting four to five months for deportation with her, but it never happened,” Castellano said.
Letter Handed to UN Office
During the march a woman read a letter that was later handed to the UN office in Caracas. The letter urged U.S. authorities to take urgent action in favor of returning children who were separated from their parents.
Symbols and Demands at the March
- White balloons
- Photos of the young children
- Signs saying “SOS, USA, release our children.”
Escalating Numbers of Children in U.S.
On June 30 the Venezuelan government denounced the “kidnapping” of 18 children under the age of 12. Since then the number of children stranded in the United States has risen.
Call for Return of 252 Venezuelan Deportees to El Salvador
Protesters also demanded the return of 252 Venezuelans deported on March 15 to El Salvador by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump’s crackdown targeted undocumented individuals he alleged to be violent criminals. Maria Venegas, a relative of one of the deportees, said:
- “Trump, we ask you from our hearts, return our sons, they are Venezuelans.”
Repatriation figures to date
Official data show that between February and the first week of July, approximately 7,000 people—about 1,000 of them children—have been repatriated to Venezuela from the United States and Mexico.
