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Venezuela Dismisses Saab, Deports Him to US Amid New Cooperation

5/17/2026

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Saab Deported

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez dismissed Saab from his cabinet before his deportation, amid a fragile ruling coalition.
Venezuelan migration agency SAIME deported Alex Saab to the United States on May 16, 2026, following his February arrest.
Saab was arrested in Caracas in February during a joint U.S.–Venezuelan operation.
U.S. officials said the deportation signals new cooperation with the interim Venezuelan government.

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Saab Deported

U.S. prosecutors view Alex Saab as a pivotal witness to the financial schemes that funded Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Venezuelan authorities deported Colombian businessman Alex Saab to the United States, where he is now in U.S. custody.
Prosecutors allege Saab used CLAP food-subsidy program to secure contracts and launder over $350 million.
Analysts warn transfer may deepen splits in Delcy Rodríguez’s interim coalition and trigger U.S. probes.

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Saab Deported

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez dismissed Saab from his cabinet before his deportation, amid a fragile ruling coalition.
Venezuelan migration agency SAIME deported Alex Saab to the United States on May 16, 2026, following his February arrest.
Saab was arrested in Caracas in February during a joint U.S.–Venezuelan operation.
U.S. officials said the deportation signals new cooperation with the interim Venezuelan government.

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