Venezuelan youth baseball denied visas for US tournament
Share this @internewscast.com

(NewsNation) — Due to players being unable to secure travel visas under a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump restricting entry into the United States from several countries, a youth baseball team from Venezuela will miss this weekend’s Senior League World Series in South Carolina.

Venezuela is included among the countries affected by the order, resulting in the Cacique Mara team from Maracaibo, Venezuela, being unable to join the tournament. Little League International confirmed that their participation in the 12-team event, composed of six U.S. teams and six international teams starting Friday, was not possible, as reported by NewsNation affiliate WSPA.

This week, the team received news that their travel visa applications were rejected due to the executive order signed by Trump in early June. Ultimas Noticias reported that Venezuelan players traveled to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia to apply for visas but were informed they were “ineligible” because of the Trump order.

Another team from Venezuela won the Senior World Series in 2024. Tournament officials reported that a team from Victoria, Mexico, will take the place of the Venezuelan squad in this weekend’s event.

Little League International called the team’s inability to participate in the tournament “extremely disappointing, especially to these young athletes,” the organization said in a statement provided to WSPA.

The president of the Venezuelan team said that players are “demoralized” by not being able to travel to the United States, Yahoo! Sports reported.

“All they know how to do is play baseball,” Kendry Gutiérrez said in a statement that was translated by World Baseball. “They want to compete and honor Venezuela and Latin America. They didn’t pose any threat; they’re 15-year-old kids who want to win the World Cup.”

The Trump presidential proclamation limits entry from some countries but provides exceptions to athletes traveling to the United States for major sporting events, including the World Cup and Olympics. However, the Senior World Series is not considered a major sporting event, which is determined by the Secretary of State, Yahoo! Sports reported.

The United States is scheduled to host major events in the upcoming years, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Congress Scrutinizes ICE and Noem Amidst Outcry Over Renee Good’s Tragic Death

In the heart of Washington, a tragic event from Minnesota has sent…

Hampton High Basketball Team Celebrates Homecoming Victory in Newly Rebuilt Gym Post-Hurricane Helene

The atmosphere was electric at Hampton High School on Friday night as…

Truck Crashes into Indian Trail Middle School Entrance, No Injuries Reported

In a surprising turn of events at Indian Trail Middle School in…

Orange Center Families to Decide Future with Pivotal School Charter Conversion Vote

ORLANDO, Fla. – A pivotal decision looms for families at Orange Center…

Urgent Alert: Endangered Lake County Man Reported Missing – Authorities Seek Public Assistance

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities in Lake County have labeled a missing…

Empowering Virginia’s Women: Strong Futures Initiative Tackles Substance Abuse Recovery for Mothers

Norton, Va. (WJHL) — In a significant step towards community health improvement,…

BWXT Unveils Comprehensive Resource Hub for Jonesborough High-Purity Depleted Uranium Initiative

In Jonesborough, Tennessee, BWX Technologies (BWXT) has taken a significant step to…

Meagan Good & Jonathan Majors Make Headlines: Hollywood Stars Embrace Guinean Citizenship

CONAKRY – In a heartwarming development, Hollywood stars Meagan Good and Jonathan…

Unlocking Hope: How VR Headsets Transform Lives Inside California Prisons

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. – Jacob Smith has spent 20 years behind bars, yet…

Tragic Collision in Sumter County: Two Killed as Golf Cart Violates Red Light, According to FHP

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – In a tragic incident late Friday night, a…

Ukrainian Drones Ignite Russian Oil Depot in Retaliatory Strike Following Moscow’s Hypersonic Missile Launch

KYIV – A Ukrainian drone attack ignited a blaze at an oil…

Court Rules Against Salt-N-Pepa in Legal Battle Over Master Recordings with Universal Music Group

NEW YORK – In a recent legal development, a federal judge has…