Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pledges to rescue 252 Venezuelan migrants kidnapped in El Salvador and reunite families, highlighting migration as a human right and condemning persecution. The promise comes amid celebrations of Family Day and the return of Maikelys Espinoza, a girl rescued from U.S. captivity.

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In a powerful statement during the Great March celebrating Family Day and the recent return of Maikelys Espinoza, a young Venezuelan girl kidnapped by U.S. authorities, President Nicolás Maduro reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to rescuing all Venezuelan migrants currently held hostage in El Salvador. Maduro emphasized that these migrants, numbering 252, are hardworking individuals whose migration is a legitimate and dignified act, not a crime.

President Maduro condemned the criminalization and persecution of migrants, asserting that “migrating is not a crime,” while “persecuting, torturing, and disappearing migrants is a crime.” His remarks echo the sentiments of numerous left-wing human rights organizations, including the Latin American Migrant Solidarity Network, which denounce the growing trend of migrant repression in Central America and the United States. Maduro’s government has also highlighted the injustice of sanctions imposed on Venezuela, which exacerbate the hardships faced by Venezuelan families abroad.

Since the beginning of this migration crisis, the Venezuelan government has successfully repatriated over 5,000 migrants detained in U.S. prisons, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting its citizens.

Among those recently returned is the mother of Maikelys Espinoza, described by Maduro as “a noble girl who has never lost her ability to smile in the face of adversity.” The rescue of Maikelys, who was separated from her family after being kidnapped in the U.S., symbolizes the resilience and hope of Venezuelan migrants worldwide.

Family Day: A Symbol of Hope and Unity

President Maduro framed the rescue of Maikelys Espinoza as a “miracle” and a cause for national celebration, coinciding with International Family Day. He expressed deep emotion at reuniting the girl with her family at Simón Bolívar International Airport, highlighting the importance of family unity amid the ongoing migrant crisis. Maduro also praised the efforts of Venezuelan officials, including Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, and First Combatant Cilia Flores, for their roles in securing Maikelys’s safe return.

President Maduro’s message resonates strongly across Latin America, as he continues to advocate for the dignity, rights, and protection of migrants. His administration’s efforts to challenge the criminalization of migration and to reunite families underscore Venezuela’s commitment to social justice and human solidarity in the face of international adversity.

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