President Nicolas Maduro confirms arrival of seven repatriated Venezuelan children separated in the U.S. and anticipates the landing of 252 compatriots freed from El Salvador’s CECOT detention camp.

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Home at Last: Venezuelan Children Rescued from U.S. Reunite with President Maduro and Family

On Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced that his government is committed to rescuing “all the boys and girls who have been detained in migrant prisons,” underscoring the return of seven children forcibly separated from their families in the United States.

He also confirmed the imminent arrival of a flight carrying 252 Venezuelan migrants recently freed from the notorious CECOT detention center in El Salvador.

Speaking at the Congreso Campesino, President Maduro declared: “Rest assured, as I have committed to these families, we will rescue all the boys and girls who have been detained in migrant prisons.”

President Maduro emphasized that Venezuela has successfully rescued seven children out of approximately 34 currently held in U.S. immigration detention centers. He warned the number could be higher but strongly reaffirmed the government’s promise to continue their rescue: “We will rescue all the boys and girls who have been detained.”

#ENVIVO | Presidente @NicolasMaduro, afirma que próximamente llegarán los 252 venezolanos secuestrados en el CECOT pic.twitter.com/tYvsr2WZjs

— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) July 18, 2025

The text reads: #LIVE | President @NicolasMaduro affirms that the 252 Venezuelans kidnapped in CECOT will arrive soon

The children were formally received at Simón Bolívar Hall inside Miraflores Palace, where the President assured the public that these children “will grow prosperous; they will grow free.”

In a powerful statement about the ongoing repatriation efforts, President Maduro said: “We have rescued from kidnapping, torture, and disappearance in Bukele’s concentration camps 252 Venezuelans who had been held hostage since March. They are already flying to Caracas and will land within minutes at Simón Bolívar Airport in Maiquetía.”

These migrants, who had their rights violated and were unlawfully detained, are now on their way home following diplomatic efforts led by the Venezuelan government, with mediation from former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro receives children kidnapped by the United States. pic.twitter.com/HxGWdZcyHy

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) July 18, 2025

The President stressed that the rescued Venezuelans “did not commit any crime” and became victims of illegal detention. The flight’s arrival marks a significant humanitarian and diplomatic success for the country.

The President framed these repatriations as part of the ongoing fight against imperialist aggression and the criminalization of Venezuelan migration. President Maduro reaffirmed that his government will continue to act decisively until all detained Venezuelan children and adults abroad are safely returned.

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