Story perspectives

Venezuela Deports Saab to U.S., Witness in Maduro Probe

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Saab was deported to the United States by Venezuela’s migration agency SAIME after his February arrest.
The deportation follows a 2023 U.S. clemency that exchanged his release for detained Americans, reversing his pardon by President Joe Biden.
U.S. officials view Saab as a witness in Manhattan drug case against President Nicolás Maduro, while Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the deportation and called him a “Colombian citizen” to meet extradition rules.

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Story summary

Saab was deported to the United States by Venezuela’s migration agency SAIME after his February arrest.
The deportation follows a 2023 U.S. clemency that exchanged his release for detained Americans, reversing his pardon by President Joe Biden.
U.S. officials view Saab as a witness in Manhattan drug case against President Nicolás Maduro, while Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the deportation and called him a “Colombian citizen” to meet extradition rules.