Under Pressure from Trump, Venezuela Agrees to Accept More U.S. Deportation Flights

Under pressure from the Trump administration following the capture of President Maduro in January 2026, Venezuela's interim government has agreed to accept an increased number of U.S. deportation flights. The U.S. had been pressing Venezuela to accept more deportees, and this week marked the first time since Trump took office that three flights arrived in Caracas in a single week. If this rate continues, the U.S. could deport nearly 30,000 Venezuelans this year, potentially doubling last year's figures and placing Venezuela among the top five countries receiving U.S. deportees. The Trump administration views this as a victory in its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants.

This documentary examines Venezuela's decline from a stable, oil-rich democracy in the 1970s to a crisis culminating in a US special forces raid on Caracas on January 3, 2026. It explores the historical context, including the 1989 Caracazo riots, Hugo Chavez's rise and reforms, the 2002 coup attempt, and the economic collapse under President Nicolas Maduro. The film investigates how Venezuela, once a US ally, reached this point, highlighting the influence of US power in Latin America. Through firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and archival footage, the documentary analyzes the factors contributing to Venezuela's downfall and the implications of US intervention in the region. It was published on January 23, 2026.