Holidays in Uncertain Times: A Venezuelan Family’s Journey Home

This Christmas season, many Venezuelan immigrants like Mariela Gomez found themselves in unforeseen circumstances. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House earlier this year, the hopes and dreams they held for a new life in the United States were abruptly dashed. Gomez, along with her family, spent this holiday in northern Venezuela for the first time in eight years, surrounded by challenges yet still striving to create a joyful atmosphere.

Facing Challenges During the Holidays

Gomez dressed in festive attire, prepared meals, gifted her son a scooter, and shared smiles with her in-laws. However, amid the festive spirit, she couldn’t overlook the pressing issues that returning migrants like herself face: joblessness and poverty. “We had a modest dinner, not quite what we’d hoped for, but at least we had food on the table,” Gomez shared, reflecting on the lasagna-like dish served instead of the customary hallacas. “Making hallacas here is a bit expensive, and since we’re unemployed, we couldn’t afford to make them.”

A Long and Dangerous Return Journey

After crossing the US-Mexico border into Texas, Gomez and her family were quickly apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol. Following the stringent immigration policies of the Trump administration, they were deported to Mexico, beginning a perilous journey back to Venezuela. The family traversed Central America by bus, but once they reached Panama, their funds ran low. They opted for a more affordable but risky travel method across the Pacific, enduring a harrowing experience on a cargo boat before reaching Colombia’s jungles. After about two weeks, they received financial assistance to reach the Venezuelan border.

The Migration Crisis

Gomez is one of over 7.7 million Venezuelans who have left their homeland over the past decade due to economic collapse fueled by plummeting oil prices, rampant corruption, and mismanagement. She had spent years in Colombia and Peru while nurturing dreams of building a fresh start in the U.S.

Deportations and New Realities

With Trump’s second term reshaping immigration policies, many like Gomez are witnessing their aspirations fade. As of September 2025, more than 14,000 migrants, predominantly from Venezuela, have returned to South America following Trump’s restrictions on U.S. migration. Concurrently, deportations have surged as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro reversed his earlier stance and began accepting deportees sent back from the U.S. This year, over 13,000 migrants arrived back in Venezuela, primarily through chartered flights operated by U.S. contractors and the state airline.

Reconnecting with Family

Returning to Venezuela also allowed Gomez the opportunity to reunite with her daughter, now 20, whom she had to leave behind during her escape from the country’s turmoil. They shared drinks and conversations during the holidays, with the bittersweet awareness that these moments might be fleeting—Gomez’s daughter plans to migrate to Brazil next month.

Future Hopes

As the New Year approaches, Gomez aspires to make hallacas and is on the lookout for employment. However, her primary wishes revolve around health and happiness for her family. “I ask God for many things, first and foremost life and health, so we can continue enjoying our family,” she expressed with hope.

Conclusion

This holiday season, Mariela Gomez’s story reflects the struggles and resilience of countless Venezuelan families grappling with the challenging realities of migration and economic hardship. While hopes for a brighter future remain uncertain, the spirit of family and togetherness is what they hold on to the most.

• Mariela Gomez returned to Venezuela for the first time in eight years, reflecting on her family’s challenges.
• She faced joblessness and poverty, impacting their holiday celebrations.
• Gomez undertook a perilous journey back to Venezuela after being deported from the U.S.
• Her hopes for the new year focus on health, family, and the possibility of new opportunities.