Story perspectives

Relatives Track 146 Deportees After Hotel Collapse; ICE Disavows Responsibility

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Relatives of the deportees made a spreadsheet to track the flight's passengers after the hotel collapsed.
The flight with 146 Venezuelans landed in La Guaira hours before the 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that collapsed the hotel.
Authorities barred relatives and rescuers from the wreckage, stopping confirmation of survivors.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it bore no responsibility after the deportees left custody and gave no comment to media.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, the Homeland Security Act created Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security, merging immigration enforcement and customs investigations after the September 11 attacks. ICE’s mission, which enforces over 400 federal statutes, has long prioritized border security over humanitarian aid. That focus resurfaces as ICE refuses responsibility for 146 Venezuelan deportees stranded after a hotel collapse.

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Story summary

Relatives of the deportees made a spreadsheet to track the flight's passengers after the hotel collapsed.
The flight with 146 Venezuelans landed in La Guaira hours before the 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that collapsed the hotel.
Authorities barred relatives and rescuers from the wreckage, stopping confirmation of survivors.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it bore no responsibility after the deportees left custody and gave no comment to media.

1 / 2