A two-year-old Venezuelan girl, whose parents were deported from the United States without her, was flown home to Caracas, earning President Donald Trump rare praise from Venezuela's government.

Caracas

A two-year-old Venezuelan girl, Maikelis Espinosa, has returned home to Caracas after being separated from her parents during deportation proceedings in the United States. Maikelis was reunited with her mother and grandmother at the presidential palace following her arrival at the Caracas airport. The reunion came after extended negotiations between Venezuelan authorities and the U.S. government, as well as public and media pressure.

Maikelis was separated from her parents after her family crossed into the United States and turned themselves in to border authorities. Her parents were subsequently deported as part of a U.S. immigration crackdown, while Maikelis remained in the U.S. The incident prompted international attention and criticism.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro publicly acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump for facilitating Maikelis’ return, calling the act humane. Venezuelan officials and the public have followed the case closely, with state media and government figures highlighting the girl's return as a significant event.

Maikelis' father is currently held in the Salvadorian Cicot Maximum Security Prison after being transferred there by U.S. authorities on allegations of gang activity. His family disputes these accusations. According to Venezuelan authorities, more than 4,000 Venezuelans have been repatriated from the U.S. and areas near the U.S. border since February.



Toddler separated from parents in deportation case returns home

Cradled in the arms of Venezuela's first lady, two-year-old Maikelis Espinosa arrived in the Caracas airport. After long negotiations by Venezuelan authorities and public pressure on the U.S. government, the young girl will see her mother for the first time in a year. Thanks to all the media who were attentive, to the people who showed solidarity and to the government that stood firm, welcome Maikelis. The toddler was separated from her parents in May 2024 after the family turned themselves into border authorities after crossing into the United States. When her parents were deported in a Trump immigration crackdown, Maikelis was left behind in the U.S., sparking outrage around the world. Many qualified the act as a kidnapping. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has played into the media frenzy, appearing at rallies and now painting Maikelis' return as a major political victory. Appearing on state TV Wednesday, he showered his American counterpart with praise. I must also thank President Donald Trump for having brought about this act of justice. It's humane, profoundly humane. Following her arrival, Maikelis was reunited with her mother and grandmother at the presidential palace. Her father is being held in the Salvadorian Cicot Maximum Security Prison, where he was sent following allegations of gang activity by the Trump administration. His family firmly denies the accusations. Since February, over 4,000 Venezuelans have been repatriated by the Trump administration from the U.S. and parts of Mexico near the U.S. border.

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