local
More than 100 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. hours before earthquakes are missing
By Gisela Salomon | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· June 30, 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’...
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 Trophy Club
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have a direct connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as a deportation flight from Miami with 146 Venezuelans, including 19 women and seven children, arrived just hours before the disaster. The fact that these individuals were being held in a hotel in La Guaira, one of the hardest hit areas, raises concerns about the timing and circumstances of their deportation. As the Venezuelan government reports over 1,700 deaths, the local community in Trophy Club and surrounding areas may be affected by the news, particularly those with ties to Venezuela or who have been involved in local efforts to support immigrant communities. The story of Lisbeth Portillo, a 58-year-old deportee who escaped the rubble, serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of such events, and locals may be watching for updates on relief efforts and ways to support those affected.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
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’...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gisela Salomon | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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