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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – Noticias LocalesJuly 2, 2026Miami-Dade

Venezuelan family deported from U.S. faces tragedy after earthquake

A Venezuelan family deported from the United States via the 'Vuelta a la Patria' program experienced a fatal building collapse during an earthquake shortly after their arrival in La Guaira, Venezuela. The incident has prompted calls from advocacy groups for the U.S. government to grant temporary protected status to Venezuelan nationals.

immigrationdeportationhumanitarian_crisisvenezuelaearthquake
Read the full story at Telemundo 51 Miami – Noticias Locales

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the human outcomes of U.S. deportation policies and has triggered renewed advocacy for temporary immigration protections for Venezuelan citizens currently in the United States.

Key Facts

  • 146 Venezuelan migrants were repatriated from the U.S. to Venezuela on flight 164.
  • The repatriation was conducted under the 'Vuelta a la Patria' program.
  • The family arrived in Venezuela on June 24 and were housed at the Hotel Santuario de La Llanera in La Guaira.
  • An earthquake caused the collapse of the hotel shortly after the group's arrival.
  • Johana Pineda's husband died from injuries sustained during the building collapse.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that it is not responsible for individuals once they are no longer in ICE custody.
  • The family had entered the U.S. in October 2022 and held a temporary parole permit.
  • Johana Pineda reported being detained during a routine immigration appointment despite having signed a voluntary departure agreement.

Who's Mentioned

personDeisy Urbina“Cousin of Yamil Caldera.”other164“The flight number used for the repatriation of migrants.”other146“The number of Venezuelan migrants on the repatriation flight.”personJohana Pineda“A deported Venezuelan woman who lost her husband in a building collapse.”organizationServicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas“U.S. agency responsible for the detention and deportation of the individuals.”personYamil Caldera“A Venezuelan man who died following deportation from the U.S.”organizationDepartamento de Seguridad Nacional“U.S. agency that stated it is not responsible for individuals once they leave IC”