Caracas:

A two-year-old girl, separated from her Venezuelan parents who were deported without her, returned to Caracas on Wednesday amid family protests.

State television captured the moment, showing first lady Cilia Flores greeting the toddler as she arrived on a flight carrying Venezuelan immigrants.

Yorelyse Vernal, the girl’s mother, was not present at the airport but officials indicated that a reunion would happen soon.

The case of Maykelis Antonella Espinoza Bernal has fueled protests in Venezuela, where many have condemned her separation from her family.

Demonstrations took place in Caracas, denouncing what many considered her “abduction” by US authorities.

President Nicolas Maduro expressed gratitude towards his US counterpart, Donald Trump, for facilitating the girl’s return, adopting a strangely conciliatory tone while noting past differences with the Trump administration.

Maduro referred to the return of the child as a “deep humane act of justice.”

Maykelis is one of numerous children affected by the Trump administration’s strict measures on illegal immigration.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that she was placed in foster care for her protection.

Her mother explained that they had been separated after arriving illegally in the US in May 2024. The girl’s father was reportedly among those sent to Cecot prison in El Salvador.

The Trump administration has claimed that Venezuelans sent to El Salvador are affiliated with Tren de Aragua, though evidence supporting this assertion is limited.

DHS alleged that Maykelis’ father, Maker Espinoza Escarona, is involved with Tren de Aragua, supposedly engaged in various criminal activities.

The girl’s mother allegedly faced detention due to a tattoo connected to gang affiliations.

Since February, over 4,000 immigrants have been deported to Venezuela, with some coming from the US and others from Mexico.