Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro expressed his excitement Wednesday over the situation involving two-year-old Maikelys Espinoza, claiming that the child had been “invited” by the United States.
The Maduro administration accused the U.S. of “kidnapping” Maikelys Espinoza, a child linked to members of the Tren de Aragua gang who had entered the U.S. illegally after her parents were recently deported. They suggested that the focus on the child’s situation was a ploy amid ongoing deportations of Venezuelan immigrants.
Additionally, the Maduro administration likened the deportation of Tren de Aragua members to events in Nazi Germany, claiming that around 250 suspected members are currently held at a mega-prison in El Salvador.
In contrast to Maduro’s assertion of an “invitation,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that Maikelys was placed in foster care with the Department of Health and Human Services after identifying her parents as members of a foreign terrorist organization. The parents had received orders for removal from the court.
The child’s mother, Yorelly Escarleth Bernal, has faced deportation due to allegations of recruiting young women for drug trafficking and prostitution. Her father, Maikelys Espinoza Escalona, is believed to be involved with Tren de Aragua, facing accusations related to serious crimes. He is presently detained in El Salvador alongside numerous suspected gang members.
DHS noted that the two-year-old had been in the care of the Refugee Resettlement Office for 302 days, ensuring her safety before being reunited with her mother, who was affiliated with Tren de Aragua.
The DHS further explained that the child was deported back to Venezuela according to court directives. They noted an initiative to inform the Venezuelan government about the child’s custody status.
Maduro attributed the successful repatriation to former President Trump, stating that many members of the terrorist group are now held in a distinct facility.
Recently, around 225 Venezuelan deportees, including Maikelys, arrived at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Venezuela, where she was welcomed by Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Diosdado Cabello.
The child was quickly taken to the Presidential Palace in Caracas for a reunion with her mother and grandmother. The government’s media depicted this moment as a “rescue” by Maduro, who was joined by key officials, including Alex Saab, a figure accused of money laundering for the regime.
Maduro described the child as beloved by all Venezuelans and hailed her return as a victory for the nation, expressing hope for the return of other detained Venezuelans.
Though acknowledging differences with Trump, Maduro thanked him and his envoy for their roles in the child’s return, emphasizing a need for collaboration to address broader issues.
He remarked that the victory of having Maikelys back symbolizes shared joy for Venezuelans, especially for mothers and grandmothers.
According to United Nations estimates, about 7.9 million Venezuelans have fled the Maduro regime, while the country’s estimated population is 31.25 million. On the same day, Maduro urged Venezuelan immigrants to return, dismissing the notion of the American dream and emphasizing a message of love and unity back home.
Maduro reiterated his determination to assist members of Tren de Aragua who remain detained in El Salvador, recalling a past offer from President Nayib Bukele to return deportees in exchange for the release of Venezuelans held abroad. The Maduro administration, however, rejected the proposal, labeling Bukele’s actions as unacceptable.
