The video depicts suspected members of Tren de Aragua and MS-13. (@nayibbukele via X)
Many of those with protected status migrated to the U.S. amid Venezuela's economic collapse under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolas Maduro.
"Venezuela is obligated to accept its repatriated citizens from the U.S. This is not an issue for debate or negotiation," Rubio wrote on X. "Nor does it merit any reward. Unless the Maduro regime accepts a consistent flow of deportation flights, without further excuses or delays, the U.S. will impose new, severe, and escalating sanctions."
The threat came days after Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump's special envoy tasked with securing the release of six U.S. citizens imprisoned in Venezuela, said the Maduro government had agreed to accept repatriation flights.
Maduro agreed to accept his citizens after initially refusing to do so.
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Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro delivers a speech in front of the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on January 10, 2025. (Pedro Rances Mattey/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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"I think it was a very helpful thing that El Salvador did for us and President Bukele, and we’re grateful to him for it. And frankly, I feel like we should continue to do it," he added.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/venezuela-face-severe-escalating-sanctions-doesnt-accept-its-citizens-rubio-says