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 / 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 Tomball News
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have a direct connection to the Houston area, given the city's role as a major hub for immigration and deportation flights. The fact that a deportation flight from Miami arrived in Venezuela just hours before the earthquakes, carrying 146 Venezuelans, including 19 women and seven children, raises questions about the humanitarian implications of such flights. As the Houston community, which has a significant Venezuelan population, grapples with the news of the missing deportees, it also highlights the need for local organizations and advocacy groups to provide support and resources to those affected by deportation and natural disasters. The Houston area's proximity to Venezuela and its history of receiving deportees from the country make it a critical location for providing aid and assistance to those impacted by the earthquakes.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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