Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Minister of People's Power for Interior Relations, Justice, and Peace, laid out the government's legal and political stance on the deportation of Alex Saab to the United States. He stated that the Colombian businessman "is not a Venezuelan" and has been using a fraudulent identity card since 2004.
Cabello declared, "Alex Saab is not a Venezuelan citizen and has been carrying an identity card since 2004 that is illegal, lacking legal support from the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration and Foreigners (SAIME)."
The minister emphasized that a thorough investigation by SAIME revealed no record verifying Saab's Venezuelan nationality: "There is no file at SAIME confirming that this individual is Venezuelan."
Additionally, Cabello disclosed a significant point, claiming it is documented: when questioned about basic information on his alleged Venezuelan ID, Saab was unable to provide answers.
Cabello recounted, "When asked about his ID number, he said he couldn't remember. 'What's your ID number?' 'I can't remember.' 'Where did you get it?' 'I can't remember.' 'Who gave you the ID?' 'I can't remember,'” the minister narrated.
To legally justify the deportation, Cabello cited Article 271 of the Venezuelan Constitution, which mandates that "extradition cannot be denied for foreigners responsible for crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, international organized crime, offenses against the public patrimony of other states, and human rights violations."
He explained that Saab was sent to the United States because it was the last country from which he entered Venezuela: "We submitted him for deportation there because that is the last country he came from to Venezuela. That's the main reason."
Controversy and Legal Ramifications
Cabello also expressed surprise that segments of the Venezuelan opposition defended Saab, describing it as "strange." He pointed out that Saab's attorney mentioned "unfulfilled relations and agreements with U.S. intelligence agencies," which, according to the minister, "is an issue he will have to clarify."
The minister announced that, following this case, investigations into fraud against the Venezuelan state are underway "of all kinds."
Saab arrived at the Opa-locka Executive Airport in Miami-Dade County on Sunday, escorted by U.S. federal agents, including DEA members.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The deportation was authorized by Delcy Rodríguez, who became the interim president of Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026, during "Operation Absolute Resolution."
This handover is part of a broader diplomatic agreement between Washington and the interim government in Caracas, which also involved the release of all American citizens detained in Venezuela on January 31, 2026.
The deportation of Saab has intensified internal divisions within the chavismo, as noted by Venezuelan opposition leader Andrés Velásquez: "Accusations are flying back and forth between factions."
For Washington, Saab's strategic value lies in his insights into the financial framework of chavismo, which is considered crucial for legal proceedings against Maduro and Cilia Flores in the United States.
Key Questions on Alex Saab's Deportation
Why was Alex Saab deported to the United States?
Alex Saab was deported to the United States because he was carrying a fraudulent Venezuelan identity card and had last entered Venezuela from the U.S. Additionally, his deportation aligns with Article 271 of the Venezuelan Constitution, which allows extradition for foreigners involved in certain crimes.
What is the significance of Saab's deportation for Venezuela?
Saab's deportation is significant as it underscores internal divisions within chavismo and impacts diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States. It also triggers investigations into fraud against the Venezuelan state.
How does Alex Saab's case affect U.S.-Venezuela relations?
The deportation of Alex Saab is part of a larger diplomatic agreement between Washington and the interim Venezuelan government, which includes the release of American detainees in Venezuela. It reflects ongoing negotiations and strategic interests between the two countries.