arts
More than 100 Venezuelans who were deported from the US hours before the earthquakes are missing
By Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
MIAMI (AP) — More than 100 people just deported from the United States were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela, setting off a scramble to find survivors and bodies buried in the rubble, according to survivors. A deportation flight from Miami arrived in Venezuela hours before Wed
Key takeaway Lisbeth Portillo, 58, said she escaped the rubble from the hotel with about 20 other deportees who walked the streets looking for help.
Why this matters in The Miami
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have hit close to home in Miami, where many in the Venezuelan community have been left anxiously waiting for news of loved ones. The fact that over 100 deportees, including 19 women and seven children, were in a hotel that was severely damaged in the quake has sent shockwaves through the local community. Miami's large Venezuelan population, particularly in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Doral, has been affected by the deportation flights, with many families having been separated by these actions. The resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela in February 2025 has been a concern for local advocates, who have been working to support those affected by these policies. As the search for survivors continues, Miami's Venezuelan community will be watching closely, hoping for news of their loved ones and calling for support for those affected by this tragedy.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIAMI (AP) — More than 100 people just deported from the United States were being held in a hotel when earthquakes struck Venezuela, setting off a scramble to find survivors and bodies buried in the rubble, according to survivors. A deportation flight from Miami arrived in Venezuela hours before Wed
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rubén Rosario at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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