Deportations to Venezuela and El Salvador: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Two news stories in November 2025 shook immigrant communities in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland.

CNN reported that deportation flights from the United States to Venezuela have resumed, including flights departing from Phoenix, Arizona, and arriving in Venezuela with hundreds of deportees onboard. This development stunned many, especially given that the United States does not formally recognize the Maduro government and that Venezuela remains in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis.

Just days later, Amnesty International issued an urgent action regarding the deportation of Mario Guevara, a Salvadoran journalist arrested during a protest in the United States and deported back to El Salvador. His return raised serious alarms due to the country’s ongoing state of emergency under President Nayib Bukele, where journalists, activists, and perceived critics face extreme risks.

If you are Venezuelan or Salvadoran, these are not distant headlines. They are warnings.

The reality is clear: the current administration is actively deporting people to both Venezuela and El Salvador, despite the dangers awaiting them upon return.

But you are not powerless. Legal protections such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) may stop a deportation—if you act in time.

The deportation defense attorneys at Law Group International, Khalid and Daniela, serve Venezuelan and Salvadoran communities throughout Virginia, DC, and Maryland. In this guide, we explain:

What is happening right now with deportations to Venezuela and El Salvador
The specific dangers deportees face in each country
Your legal options to fight deportation
How to prepare your family
When to seek legal help (the answer: now)

Deportations to Venezuela: What’s Happening Now

The Policy Change: Deportation Flights Resume

What changed in 2025?

For years, deporting people to Venezuela was practically impossible. The United States does not recognize the Maduro government, and there were no consistent arrangements to carry out deportation flights. That changed in 2025.

What’s happening now:

Deportation flights are departing from Phoenix, Arizona, and potentially other cities

Each flight carries hundreds of Venezuelan nationals
CNN documented a flight arriving in Venezuela in November 2025
The U.S. has reached operational arrangements to conduct deportations despite the lack of diplomatic relations

The irony is striking:

Venezuela remains designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) precisely because conditions are too dangerous for return. Yet, the same government that granted TPS is now forcibly deporting individuals back to those dangerous conditions.

Who is at risk?

You may be at immediate risk if you meet any of the following criteria:

Venezuelan with expired TPS or missed re-registration
Venezuelan who never applied for or qualified for TPS
Subject to an old or recent removal order
A recent arrival without legal status
Venezuelan with criminal convictions that trigger deportability

If any of these apply to you, you must understand your options immediately.

What Awaits Deportees in Venezuela

Being deported to Venezuela in 2025 means facing:

Humanitarian crisis

Severe food shortages and malnutrition
Lack of essential medicines
A collapsed healthcare system
Hyperinflation
Unreliable water and electricity

Safety risks

One of the world’s highest homicide rates
Widespread violent crime
Organized criminal groups
Corruption within police and military

Political persecution

Deportees viewed as “traitors”
Interrogation upon arrival
Risk of arbitrary detention
Surveillance and harassment

Near-impossible reintegration

Extremely scarce employment opportunities
A severe housing crisis
No meaningful social safety net
Years of residence in the U.S. can make returnees visible targets

The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela. Deportation flights continue anyway.

Venezuelan TPS: What You Need to Know

Venezuelan TPS status (as of December 2025)

ALERT: After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem determined that Venezuela no longer meets the conditions for its designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and that the termination of the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation is required as it is contrary to the national interest. On October 3, 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the termination to take immediate effect. TPS beneficiaries who received TPS-related employment authorization documents (EADs), Forms I-797, Notices of Action, and Forms I-94 issued with October 2, 2026, expiration dates on or before February 5, 2025 will maintain work authorization and their documentation will remain valid until October 2, 2026, pursuant to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California’s order dated May 30, 2025.

Separately, Secretary Noem published her notice to terminate the Venezuela 2021 designation, which is effective on Nov. 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. See Termination of the 2021 Designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status, 90 Fed. Reg. 43225 (Sept. 8, 2025).

Further information is on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

The deportation defense attorneys at Law Group International can help you navigate TPS renewals and explore additional protections if your TPS status is at risk.

El Salvador Deportations: The Current Reality

The Mario Guevara Case: A Warning for Salvadorans

In November 2025, Amnesty International issued an urgent action concerning Mario Guevara, a Salvadoran journalist who had been living and working in the United States. His deportation quickly became a high-profile example of the very real risks Salvadorans now face in immigration proceedings.

What happened

June 14, 2025: Mario Guevara was arrested during a protest
He was charged with minor, protest-related violations
Despite being a journalist with clear potential protection needs, he was deported to El Salvador
Amnesty International publicly expressed serious concern for his safety, citing El Salvador’s treatment of journalists and activists

Why this matters

Mario Guevara’s case sends a stark message to the Salvadoran community:

Even minor legal issues can trigger deportation
Being a journalist, activist, or public figure does not automatically protect you
Deportations to El Salvador are continuing despite the country’s dangerous conditions
Immigration enforcement is being prioritized over humanitarian protection

If you are Salvadoran and have any contact with the criminal justice system—even for a minor issue—you may be at heightened risk of deportation and should seek legal advice immediately.

The Dangers of Return: El Salvador Under Bukele

What Salvadoran deportees face in 2025

President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing state of emergency has fundamentally reshaped El Salvador. While official crime statistics show reductions in certain offenses, the human rights situation has deteriorated dramatically.

State of emergency (ongoing)

Constitutional rights suspended since March 2022
Repeated extensions with no clear end date
Due process protections effectively eliminated
Habeas corpus suspended

Mass incarceration

Over 70,000 people arrested under the state of emergency
Many detained without evidence or formal charges
Prison conditions described as inhumane by international observers
Credible reports of torture and deaths in custody

Risks for deportees

Immediate suspicion upon arrival in El Salvador
Detention and interrogation without legal safeguards
Being lumped in with alleged gang members based on appearance, age, or tattoos
No meaningful legal protections once detained
Family members may also face intimidation or targeting

Groups facing heightened danger

Journalists and media workers (like Mario Guevara)
Human rights defenders
Political critics of President Bukele
Individuals with any alleged gang association—even false or unproven
Young men from certain neighborhoods subject to gang profiling

Human rights organizations have documented arbitrary arrests of people with no gang ties, deaths in custody, families unable to locate detained relatives, and a total lack of access to attorneys.

The U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory for El Salvador highlights concerns about crime, terrorism, and serious human rights abuses.

Salvadoran TPS: Current Status

Salvadoran TPS status (as of December 2025)

El Salvador has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since its original designation, with multiple extensions
A current registration and re-registration period is in effect
The designation has a defined expiration date

Who qualifies

Continuous residence in the U.S. since the designated date
Continuous physical presence
No disqualifying criminal convictions

Ongoing litigation

TPS for El Salvador has been the subject of lengthy court battles
Various court orders have preserved TPS protections during litigation
The current legal status must be monitored closely

If your TPS is at risk

Ensure you have properly re-registered
Keep all documents proving continuous presence
Monitor updates on TPS developments
Consult an attorney about backup legal options

If you are concerned about your Salvadoran TPS status, the deportation defense team at Law Group International can evaluate your case and help you explore additional protections before it is too late.

Further information is on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Legal Options to Fight Deportation to Venezuela or El Salvador

Facing deportation does not mean your case is over. U.S. immigration law provides multiple forms of protection, but the right option depends on your personal history, how and when you entered the country, your family ties, and the risks you would face if removed. Acting early is critical.

Deportation Defense Options for Venezuelans

Legal protections available to Venezuelans

If you are Venezuelan and facing deportation, you may qualify for one or more of the following options:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem determined that Venezuela no longer meets the conditions for its designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and that the termination of the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation is required, as it is contrary to the national interest.

Asylum

Asylum may be available if you fled Venezuela due to persecution based on:

Political opinion (including opposition to the Maduro regime)
Religion
Race or ethnicity
Membership in a particular social group
Nationality

Asylum generally must be filed within one year of arrival, though exceptions exist. If granted, asylum can lead to a green card after one year.

Withholding of Removal

This requires showing that it is more likely than not that you would face persecution if returned to Venezuela. There is no one-year deadline, but it does not lead to permanent residence. It does, however, stop deportation to Venezuela.

Convention Against Torture (CAT) Protection

If you would face torture by the government or with its consent or acquiescence, CAT protection may apply. The legal standard is high, but it completely bars deportation to Venezuela.

Cancellation of Removal

Available if you have lived in the U.S. continuously for 10 years or more, have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child, and can show exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to that relative. If granted, this results in a green card.

Family-Based Petitions

If you have qualifying family members, you may be able to adjust status depending on your manner of entry and immigration history.

Which option is right for you?

Every case is different. Khalid and Daniela at Law Group International can evaluate your situation and identify all available defenses.

Deportation Defense Options for Salvadorans

Legal protections available to Salvadorans

If you are Salvadoran and facing deportation, potential options include:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

El Salvador remains designated for TPS, though it has been affected by litigation. It is essential to keep re-registration current and monitor court developments closely.

Asylum

Asylum may be especially relevant if you face persecution due to:

Political opinion or criticism of the Bukele government
Journalism or activism
Gang-related persecution as a victim
Gender-based violence (in certain cases)
LGBTQ+ identity

The ongoing state of emergency has created new and stronger asylum arguments.

Withholding of Removal

A strong option if you missed the asylum deadline. It has no filing deadline and prevents deportation to El Salvador.

CAT Protection

Given documented torture and abuse in Salvadoran prisons, CAT protection may apply if you would likely be detained upon return.

Cancellation of Removal

Requires 10+ years of continuous presence, a qualifying relative, and proof of exceptional hardship.

U Visa or T Visa

If you were a victim of certain crimes in the U.S. (U visa) or human trafficking (T visa), these may provide protection and a path to status.

Mario Guevara–type cases:

Journalists, activists, and political critics may have particularly strong asylum or CAT claims under current conditions.

Understanding Your Options: Asylum vs. Withholding vs. CAT

Protection	Standard of Proof	Deadline	Benefits	Limitations
Asylum	“Well-founded fear” (10%+ chance)	1 year from arrival (exceptions exist)	Green card after 1 year; travel allowed; family included	Deadline; more bars to eligibility
Withholding of Removal	“More likely than not” (50%+)	No deadline	Prevents deportation to that country	No green card; no travel; family not included
CAT Protection	Torture “more likely than not” with government involvement	No deadline	Cannot be deported to that country under any circumstances	Very high standard; no green card; very limited benefits

Which protection should you seek?

It depends on when you arrived, what you are fleeing, your criminal history, your family ties, and your long-term goals.

General guidance:

Arrived less than 1 year ago > Asylum
Missed the 1-year deadline > Withholding or CAT
Certain criminal convictions > CAT may still be available
Goal is citizenship > Asylum is the strongest path

The deportation defense attorneys at Law Group International can help you determine the best strategy and fight for every protection available to you.

How to Prepare If You’re at Risk of Deportation

If you are Venezuelan or Salvadoran and there is any chance you could face deportation, preparing now can protect your legal options and your family. Waiting until ICE takes action often leaves people with fewer—and weaker—defenses. Preparation is not panic; it is protection.

Deportation Preparation Checklist

IF YOU’RE AT RISK: DO THESE THINGS NOW

Legal preparation

Consult with a deportation defense attorney this week
Gather all immigration documents (applications, approvals, receipts, notices)
Obtain copies of any criminal records, even for minor cases
Collect proof of time in the U.S. (leases, utility bills, pay stubs, school records)
Document any persecution, threats, or harm you faced in your home country
Identify witnesses who can support your claims (family, friends, employers)
Organize everything in one secure, accessible location

Family preparation

Create a family emergency plan
Decide who will care for your children if you are detained
Prepare notarized powers of attorney for childcare decisions
Ensure schools know who is authorized to pick up your children
Give a trusted person access to key documents
Talk through the plan calmly with your family

If you have U.S. citizen children

Keep their passports up to date
Keep birth certificates easily accessible
Have age-appropriate conversations about what could happen
Identify trusted relatives or caregivers
Consider options carefully (remaining in the U.S. or accompanying a parent)

Financial preparation

Ensure a trusted person can access bank accounts if needed
Set up a joint account if appropriate
Organize bills and automatic payments
Understand what happens to assets if deportation occurs
Set aside an emergency fund for legal fees

Document everything

Make copies of all important documents
Store digital copies in the cloud (email them to yourself)
Give copies to a trusted person in the U.S.
Keep originals in a safe place
Create an inventory list of all documents

Know your rights

Read: “What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Door”
Memorize key phrases to exercise your right to remain silent
Carry your attorney’s contact information at all times
Learn the difference between a judicial warrant and an ICE warrant
Do not open the door without seeing a warrant signed by a judge

Community Resources for Venezuelans and Salvadorans

Community support in Virginia, DC, and Maryland

Legal resources

Law Group International – Deportation Defense
Phone: [XXX-XXX-XXXX]
Attorneys Khalid and Daniela serve Venezuelan and Salvadoran communities
Spanish consultations available
Local legal aid organizations
“Know Your Rights” workshops in the community

Venezuelan community organizations

Local Venezuelan groups in VA, DC, and MD
Venezuelan consular services (limited due to diplomatic conditions)

Salvadoran community organizations

Local Salvadoran associations
Salvadoran consulate locations

Rapid response networks

Community rapid response hotlines
ICE raid reporting hotlines

Mental health support

Culturally competent mental health providers
Support services for families facing deportation

If you know of additional resources that should be shared, contact Law Group International so they can be made available to the community.

Venezuela & El Salvador Deportation: Frequently Asked Questions

Can the U.S. really deport me to Venezuela if there are no diplomatic relations?

Yes. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations with the Maduro government—and despite the United States not recognizing that government—deportation flights to Venezuela resumed in 2025. CNN documented flights arriving in Venezuela in November 2025. While the details have not been publicly disclosed, the U.S. has clearly reached operational arrangements that allow these deportations to move forward. The absence of diplomatic recognition does not protect you from deportation.

I have TPS. Can I still be deported?

TPS protects you from deportation only while it is valid and properly maintained. You can lose that protection if:

You fail to re-register during designated periods
You are convicted of certain crimes that make you ineligible
You travel outside the U.S. without advance permission (Advance Parole)
The TPS designation expires and is not renewed

If your TPS is close to expiring, if you missed a deadline, or if there is any uncertainty about your eligibility, consult a deportation defense attorney immediately. TPS is not automatic protection.

What if I’m afraid to return to El Salvador because of Bukele’s government?

Fear of return due to government persecution or conditions under the state of emergency may qualify you for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). If you are a journalist, activist, political critic, or someone who could face false accusations of gang connections, this is especially relevant. However, you must show that you personally face danger, not just that conditions are generally bad. The Mario Guevara case shows these claims are possible—but they require strong, individualized evidence.

I have a minor criminal conviction. Am I automatically going to be deported?

Not necessarily. Some criminal convictions can make you deportable or bar you from certain forms of relief, such as asylum. However, other protections may still be available. For example, CAT protection can apply even to people with serious criminal histories if they can show they would face torture upon return. The type of conviction, when it occurred, and the specific facts all matter. Do not assume you have no options without a legal analysis.

My family is in the U.S. Can that help me avoid deportation?

Family ties can help—but they do not automatically stop deportation. They may support your case if:

You qualify for cancellation of removal and can show exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse, parent, or child
You are eligible for a family-based petition
Your family ties strengthen favorable factors in discretionary decisions

To be effective, your family situation must be used as part of a clear legal strategy developed with a deportation defense attorney.

Don’t Wait Until You’re on a Deportation Flight

The situation is clear—and urgent:

Deportation flights to Venezuela have resumed in 2025
Deportations to El Salvador continue, despite the ongoing state of emergency
People are being returned to countries where they face real and documented danger
TPS is not a guarantee if it is not properly maintained
Legal options exist, but only if you act while they are still available
Every day you wait brings you closer to a possible deportation

These are not distant possibilities. Flights are already happening. People are already being removed. Many only realize the seriousness of their situation when it is too late to act.

Are You Venezuelan or Salvadoran and Worried About Deportation?

You’ve seen the news. Deportation flights to Venezuela are happening. Mario Guevara was sent back to El Salvador. This is real—and it is happening now.

But you don’t have to face the situation alone.

The deportation defense attorneys at Law Group International, Khalid and Daniela, serve Venezuelan and Salvadoran communities throughout Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. They understand what is at stake because they have helped families just like yours protect their futures.

We provide: