Hours after being deported from the United States, over 100 Venezuelan nationals have gone missing following a devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 30, 2026. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale, caused widespread destruction and claimed numerous lives, according to officials.
Mass Disappearance After Deportation
The missing individuals were part of a group of 150 Venezuelans who arrived in Caracas on a deportation flight from the US on the morning of June 30. Within hours of their arrival, a powerful earthquake hit the region, leading to chaos and collapse of infrastructure. Local authorities reported that 104 deportees are unaccounted for, as rescue operations continue.
“We have confirmed that at least 104 of the 150 deportees are missing. The earthquake struck shortly after their arrival, and many were in transit or temporary shelters that collapsed,” said a spokesperson for Venezuela’s National Civil Protection agency. “We are doing everything possible to locate them, but the situation is dire.”
Deadly Earthquake Strikes Venezuela
The earthquake struck at approximately 4:23 PM local time, with its epicenter near the coastal city of Puerto Cabello, about 150 kilometers west of Caracas. The tremor caused buildings to collapse, triggered landslides, and disrupted communications. At least 47 people have been confirmed dead, with hundreds injured, according to the latest official figures. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue teams reach remote areas.
President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency and deployed military units to assist in relief efforts. International aid has been requested, with neighboring countries offering support.
Deportation Controversy
The US deportation flight was part of ongoing repatriation efforts under bilateral agreements. However, the timing of the deportations has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that sending individuals into a disaster zone endangered their lives. “It is unconscionable that the US would deport people into a country hours before a catastrophic earthquake, especially when warnings of seismic activity were known,” said a representative from Amnesty International.
The US Department of Homeland Security defended the deportation, stating that it was carried out based on standard procedures and that no advanced warning of the earthquake was available. “The deportation was scheduled in accordance with our immigration laws and bilateral agreements. We were not aware of any imminent natural disaster,” a DHS spokesperson said.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Search and rescue teams are working around the clock to locate the missing deportees. Many are believed to be trapped under rubble in collapsed buildings near the airport and temporary accommodation centers. International rescue teams from Mexico and Chile have arrived to assist. The Red Cross has set up emergency shelters and is providing food, water, and medical care to survivors.
Families of the missing have gathered at government offices in Caracas, demanding information. “I just want to know if my brother is alive. He was deported and now I can’t reach him,” said Maria Rodriguez, whose sibling was on the flight. The government has set up a hotline for relatives to report missing persons.
Impact on US-Venezuela Relations
The incident has further strained already tense relations between the US and Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has accused the US of negligence and called for an immediate halt to deportations. “The United States must take responsibility for the lives of these people. They sent them to their death,” said Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia in a press conference.
US officials have expressed condolences but maintain that the deportation was lawful. The White House offered humanitarian assistance to Venezuela for earthquake relief, but the offer was met with skepticism by Caracas.
As the search continues, the international community watches closely, with the United Nations calling for a coordinated response to both the earthquake and the plight of the missing deportees.
