At a Glance
- A 22-year-old Venezuelan mother and her 3-year-old son were deported on January 1 to a remote Mexican city.
- The journey from the U.S. border to southern Mexico took two and a half days.
- Over 80 flights carried more than 14,000 Venezuelans back to their home country between February and December.
- Why it matters: Migrants are left in unsafe areas with little support, raising human-rights concerns.
The story of a Venezuelan mother deported from the United States to a secluded city in southern Mexico has sparked alarm among human-rights groups. She was taken from Pennsylvania, sent through Texas, and finally dropped off in Villahermosa, a city near the Guatemalan border. Her experience highlights a growing pattern of dangerous conditions for migrants who find themselves stranded in a “third country” without assistance.
Dangerous Conditions in Southern Mexico
Human-rights organizations say that Villahermosa has become a landing place for migrants expelled from the U.S. The city’s remote location and high levels of insecurity make it a risky destination.
> “We can’t cover the sun with one finger,” said July Rodríguez, founder of Apoyo a Migrantes Venezolanos. “These are places with very high levels of insecurity.”
The organization reports that migrants are often dropped in unsafe areas, sometimes overnight, after a grueling bus ride from Reynosa. The bus journey can exceed 24 hours when traffic delays occur.
The Journey of a Venezuelan Mother
The mother, who prefers to remain anonymous for safety, was deported on January 1 with her 3-year-old son. She had been living in the United States under a deportation order when she was apprehended in Pennsylvania.
> “It took two and a half days,” she told NBC Miami. “I never imagined my path would lead me to a secluded city in southern Mexico.”
She was processed in Reynosa, given food, and held for about two hours before being transported by Mexican authorities to Villahermosa.
Deportation Routes and Mexican Transport
The typical route for deported migrants involves several stages:
| Step | Location | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania | Arrested and sent to Texas |
| 2 | Texas | Held in U.S. facilities |
| 3 | Reynosa | Processed and given food |
| 4 | Villahermosa | Transported by bus (14-16 hrs) |
Traffic and other delays can push the journey beyond 24 hours.
Human Rights Concerns and Local Impact
Apoyo a Migrantes Venezolanos has heard from professionals-engineers, architects, accountants, educators-who lived in the U.S. for years before being returned to a country they barely know.
> “The reality is that it doesn’t always happen,” Rodríguez said. “Migrants are supposed to be taken directly to Villahermosa’s immigration processing center, but that isn’t always the case.”
The organization also reports that some migrants are left in unsafe areas, raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
Shelters and Rising Numbers
The Amparito Shelter in Villahermosa has seen a noticeable rise in Venezuelan nationals arriving after deportation. Josue Martinez Leal, who works at the shelter, notes that many are families traveling with young children.
> “In 2025, we also received Cuban, Honduran, Salvadoran, Colombian, and Haitian migrants,” Martinez said.
He believes Villahermosa may be intentionally chosen because of its proximity to Guatemala, potentially encouraging migrants to continue south and leave Mexico.
U.S. Deportations to Venezuela
While many migrants remain stranded in southern Mexico, the U.S. has been sending others directly back to Venezuela. Human Rights First reports that between February and December, nearly 80 deportation flights carried more than 14,000 Venezuelans back to their home country-including children.
> “I worry about what lies ahead for migrants who now find themselves in a ‘third country’-neither the U.S. nor their homeland-without an immediate support network,” Martinez said.
For the mother interviewed by NBC Miami, returning to Venezuela is not an option. She fled an abusive relationship and hoped to build a safer future for herself and her son.
Calls for Accountability
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched an update on the CBP Home mobile app on Monday, allowing migrants to indicate their plan to leave the U.S. However, the agency did not respond to questions about its policies regarding Venezuelan deportations.
NBC6 reached out to both state and federal Mexican authorities to ask why Villahermosa is being used as a deportation destination, but received no response.
Human-rights groups urge both U.S. and Mexican officials to provide clear guidance and support for deported migrants. They emphasize the need for safe, secure, and transparent processes that protect the rights and well-being of those affected.
Key Takeaways
- A 22-year-old Venezuelan mother and her son were deported on January 1 to Villahermosa, a city known for high insecurity.
- The bus journey from Reynosa can exceed 24 hours, and migrants are often dropped in unsafe areas.
- Over 80 flights carried more than 14,000 Venezuelans back to their home country between February and December.
- Shelters in Villahermosa report a surge in Venezuelan families, and authorities have not explained why the city is chosen.
- Human-rights organizations call for accountability and better support for migrants stranded in a “third country.”
