Álex Saab, a Barranquilla businessman closely associated with the Nicolás Maduro government, was deported from Caracas to Miami on May 16, 2026, in federal custody. Though Saab had received a presidential pardon from the Biden administration, U.S. prosecutors had prepared separate charges against him related to corruption within Venezuela's state oil company (PDVSA) and allegations that he continued moving Venezuelan regime assets to third countries after his release. The deportation required Venezuela's Maduro government to strip him of his ministerial position and nationality first.