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The United States is reviewing its decision to deny entry visas to Venezuela’s Cacique Mara Little League team, which was scheduled to compete in the 2025 Senior League Baseball World Series in Easley, South Carolina. The tournament, running from July 26 to August 2, will proceed with a replacement team from Mexico, organizers confirmed.
Little League International described the visa denial as “extremely disappointing,” emphasizing the impact on the young athletes who earned their spot by finishing with a perfect 5-0 record in the Latin America regional competition. The team’s exclusion comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation last month barring entry to individuals from 12 countries and imposing restrictions on nationals from seven others, including Venezuela.
The State Department said consular officers are reviewing the case to ensure proper procedures were followed and that all appeals by the Venezuelan players were appropriately handled. The White House has not yet commented on the situation.
Images from Maracaibo, Venezuela, show player Abraham Gutierrez and teammates continuing to practice despite being unable to attend the international tournament. Their absence highlights ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policy and its impact on international sports events.
The Senior League Baseball World Series, a prestigious event showcasing top youth teams worldwide, remains a highlight of the Little League calendar. The unexpected visa denial has drawn attention to the challenges faced by teams from sanctioned or restricted countries seeking to participate in U.S.-hosted competitions.
This incident raises broader questions about the intersection of sports and geopolitics as youth athletes strive for opportunities on the global stage amid heightened travel restrictions.
