VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Michelle Parades lived in Valdosta until Sept. 2025, when she was deported to Venezuela and separated from her two young sons, ages 1 and 9.

Since her deportation, Michelle says she has had minimal contact with her children and has been unable to access the U.S. Embassy for information.

This morning, Michelle shared that she finally feels hopeful.

She says she is happy with the capture and believes it could lead to the Embassy reopening. Allowing her to go in, get answers, and begin the process of finding her children. Friends say people across Venezuela and even in nearby countries like Mexico are reacting with optimism.

Her friend and advocate, Kelly Orpeza, says Michelle stayed up all night following the updates and is relieved to believe there may finally be a path forward.

Michelle’s hope is simple: to be reunited with her children.

With the right help, legal support, and resources, her advocates believe she could eventually make it back to the United States to be with them again.

This is a developing story; WALB will release updates as we receive them.

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