local
More than 100 Venezuelans who were deported from the US hours before the earthquakes are missing
By Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have a direct connection to the San Antonio area, given the city's proximity to the US-Mexico border and its history of immigration-related issues. The fact that over 100 deportees, including women and children, were among those affected by the disaster raises concerns about the treatment and safety of individuals being deported from the US. As a community in the San Antonio area, Alamo Heights residents may be wondering about the local implications of such deportation policies and the potential humanitarian consequences. The resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela in February 2025, after a 13-month pause, is a significant development that warrants attention from local leaders and residents. The story of Lisbeth Portillo, who survived the earthquake after being deported, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these policies and the need for a more compassionate approach to immigration.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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