On June 29, 2026, a series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Among those affected were over 100 Venezuelans who had been recently deported from the United States. They were being held in a hotel in La Guaira when the tremors hit, leading to a desperate search for survivors and those trapped beneath the rubble.

The earthquakes, which registered a magnitude of 7.2, struck shortly after the deportees arrived in Caracas. This timing has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of those who had just returned to their home country. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic as the hotel collapsed, with many individuals unaccounted for in the aftermath.

The deportation flight that brought these individuals back to Venezuela carried 146 people, including 19 women and seven children. This flight was part of a series of deportations that had resumed in February 2025 after a lengthy pause. Reports indicate that the flight operated three times a week, reflecting a significant increase in deportation activities.

Upon arrival, the deportees were taken to the Hotel Santuario La Llanada for processing, which included medical examinations and the issuance of identification documents. However, their situation quickly turned dire as the earthquakes struck, leading to a scramble for safety and rescue efforts that were hampered by the destruction.

Survivors of the hotel collapse have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences during the earthquakes. One individual, who managed to escape the rubble, described the chaos as people screamed for help. Many deportees were reportedly trapped, and the rescue efforts were complicated by the ongoing tremors.

One survivor expressed deep trauma from the experience, stating, 'God gave me a second chance,' reflecting on the narrow escape from death. As rescue operations continue, the fate of many deportees remains uncertain, with families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.