• A 2-year-old Venezuelan toddler, Maikelys Espinoza, has been reunited with her mother after being left behind in the U.S. following her parents' deportation.
• The Venezuelan government denounces the separation as a "kidnapping," criticizing U.S. immigration policies.
• Maikelys's return follows extensive efforts by Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolás Maduro and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
• The U.S. justified the deportation based on alleged ties of Maikelys's parents to the Tren de Aragua gang, which they dispute.
• The case highlights ongoing international tensions regarding U.S. immigration practices and family separations.

A 2-year-old girl, Maikelys Espinoza, has returned to Venezuela after being separated from her parents during their deportation from the United States, a situation that the Venezuelan government has described as equivalent to "kidnapping." Videos showed First Lady Cilia Flores holding the toddler at Maiquetía International Airport, later presenting her to her mother, who was awaiting at the presidential palace along with President Nicolás Maduro, according to Reuters and CBS News.

Following her mother's deportation on April 25, Maikelys remained in U.S. custody until her recent return. Venezuelan officials welcomed her, stating, "Here is everyone's beloved little girl," reflecting their relief over the reunion, as noted by Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.

The case has sparked controversy due to U.S. allegations that Maikelys's parents have connections to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, a claim for which no substantial evidence has been provided. "Everything is false," stated Maikelys's mother when addressing these accusations, which were cited by South China Morning Post and Africanews.

The Venezuelan government's reception of Maikelys was described as a "great victory" by officials like Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who condemned U.S. immigration policies. He characterized the separation as a "merchandising of human beings," reflecting the strong sentiments held by Venezuelan officials regarding the treatment of deported families, as echoed by Newsweek and ABC News.

This incident continues to emphasize the intense international discourse surrounding U.S. deportation practices, especially regarding families from politically sensitive regions like Venezuela. The emotional reunion of Maikelys with her family has sparked broader discussions about humanitarian implications and immigration reform, according to multiple sources, including India Times and ABC News.