Story perspectives

Trump Administration Struggles to Locate 137 Deported Venezuelans

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. President Donald Trump administration cannot locate 137 Venezuelans deported last year, complicating due process claims.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned addressing their situation could harm U.S. foreign policy after Venezuela developments.
A federal judge ruled the migrants were denied adequate notice during deportation under the Alien Enemies Act.
The Justice Department plans to appeal the ruling.
A U.S.–Venezuela prisoner swap involved releasing these migrants from El Salvador.

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Story summary

The U.S. President Donald Trump administration cannot locate 137 Venezuelans deported last year, complicating due process claims.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned addressing their situation could harm U.S. foreign policy after Venezuela developments.
A federal judge ruled the migrants were denied adequate notice during deportation under the Alien Enemies Act.
The Justice Department plans to appeal the ruling.
A U.S.–Venezuela prisoner swap involved releasing these migrants from El Salvador.