In a statement, the Venezuelan government said Trump’s comments were a “colonialist threat” against their sovereignty and violated international law. The government also said it demanded respect for its airspace and would not accept foreign orders or threats. Deportation flights to Venezuela have been a significant point of contention for the Trump administration, as it continues to engage in its mass deportation programme. The president told military service members this week that the US would “very soon” begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers. The Trump administration has accused the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, of involvement in drug trafficking, a charge he has denied.

Source: The Irish Times November 30, 2025 13:06 UTC