local
More than 100 Venezuelans who were deported from the US hours before the earthquakes are missing
By Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 The Pearland
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have a direct connection to the Houston area, given the region's significant Venezuelan population. Many Venezuelans who call Pearland and surrounding areas home likely have family members or friends who were affected by the deportation flight from Miami. The fact that over 100 deportees are now missing after being held in a hotel that was severely damaged by the earthquakes will undoubtedly cause concern and anxiety for local residents with ties to Venezuela. As the Venezuelan government works to locate survivors and provide aid, the Houston area's Venezuelan community may rally to provide support and resources to those affected by this tragedy. Local organizations and community groups may play a key role in facilitating communication and assistance between families in the Houston area and those impacted by the earthquakes in Venezuela.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gisela Salomon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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