Mariela Gómez spent Christmas in northern Venezuela for the first time in eight years, after being deported from the United States under President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Despite dressing up and cooking for her family, Gómez struggled with unemployment and poverty. 'We had a modest dinner, not quite what we'd hoped for, but at least we had food on the table,' she said, sharing a lasagna-like dish instead of traditional hallacas.
Gómez, her two sons and her partner returned to Maracay on 27 October after crossing into Texas, where Border Patrol detained them. Deported to Mexico, the family journeyed back through Central America and Panama, taking a cheap but dangerous boat ride along the Pacific coast to Colombia, then waiting for money before crossing into Venezuela.
Gómez was among more than 7.7 million Venezuelans who left the country amid economic collapse. Trump's second term has dashed hopes for many; since September, over 14,000 migrants have returned to South America as the administration limited migration. Venezuelans were also deported to their home country after President Nicolás Maduro accepted deportees from the US.
More than 13,000 immigrants returned this year on chartered flights. Gómez reunited with her 20-year-old daughter, who she left behind eight years ago. They shared a drink, knowing the daughter will migrate to Brazil next month.
Gómez hopes to make hallacas for New Year's Eve and find a job, but her main prayer is for good health: 'I ask God for many things, first and foremost life and health, so we can continue enjoying our family.'
