Pope Francis has expressed disapproval of U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation policies targeting undocumented migrants.

His comments come as Venezuela repatriated nearly 200 undocumented migrants from the U.S., despite warnings from the United Nations (UN) against forced returns to the politically unstable Caribbean nation.

Pope Advocates for Migrants’ Rights

A vocal advocate for migrant rights, Pope Francis has consistently urged nations to welcome, protect, and integrate those fleeing conflict, poverty, and climate-related crises, while recognizing the limits of each country’s capacity.

In a letter to U.S. bishops on Monday, the Pope warned that deporting migrants seeking refuge strips them of their dignity and leaves them vulnerable and defenseless.

“This does not prevent the development of a policy that regulates orderly and legal migration. However, such a policy cannot be built on the privilege of some at the expense of others,” he wrote.

He further cautioned:

“What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly.”

The Pontiff also urged clergy to reject harmful narratives that discriminate against migrants and cause them unnecessary suffering.

Venezuela Repatriates Deported Migrants Amid UN Concerns

Meanwhile, Venezuela repatriated nearly 200 migrants from the U.S. late Monday, using two government-arranged flights. The move comes as Caracas seeks improved ties with Washington, which has long refused to recognize President Nicolás Maduro as the country’s legitimate leader.

However, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has strongly opposed such deportations, insisting that individuals under international protection should not be forcibly returned to Venezuela due to ongoing political and economic instability.

Shortly after taking office on January 20, Trump revoked temporary deportation protection for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans—a policy introduced by former President Joe Biden to shield individuals unable to return home due to conflict, natural disasters, or extraordinary circumstances.

UNHCR spokesman William Spindler emphasized that conditions in Venezuela have not improved and may have worsened due to recent political turmoil.

Political Tensions and Migrants' Plight

Amid crippling U.S. sanctions, Maduro recently met with U.S. envoy Richard Grenell on January 31, agreeing to accept deported Venezuelan migrants and even offering to provide transportation.

Many Western nations, including the United States, continue to reject Maduro’s claim of victory in the July 2024 elections, recognizing opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president.

Upon arrival in Venezuela, some migrants had their handcuffs removed, while others raised their arms in relief and celebration as they disembarked.

In a statement, Venezuela’s foreign ministry stressed that all repatriation efforts “must be conducted with absolute respect for the dignity and human rights of Venezuelans.”