local
More than 100 Venezuelans who were deported from the US hours before the earthquakes are missing
By Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 4 min read
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 Wednesday's ea...
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 Magnolia News
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have a direct connection to the Houston area, given the large Venezuelan population in the region. Many residents in Magnolia and surrounding Montgomery County likely have family or friends affected by the disaster. The fact that over 100 deportees, including 19 women and seven children, are missing after being sent back to Venezuela just hours before the earthquakes raises concerns about the timing and handling of deportation flights. As the community comes together to support those affected, local organizations and charities may play a crucial role in providing aid and assistance to families impacted by the tragedy. The Houston area's proximity to Venezuela and its significant Venezuelan population make this disaster a pressing local concern, with many residents likely to be affected by the loss of life and destruction.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 Wednesday's ea...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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