The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ramped up efforts to directly repatriate Venezuelan nationals without a legal basis to remain in the country. In a press release issued on October 24, 2023, the DHS announced that it facilitated a second charter flight to Venezuela as part of its ongoing removal operations. This comes in addition to frequent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal flights and the ongoing removal of Venezuelans to Mexico.
The Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristie Canegallo, stated, “This Administration has carried out the largest expansion of lawful pathways in decades, and we continue to impose consequences under the law for those who do not avail themselves of those pathways.” She warned against heeding the misinformation from smugglers and emphasized that individuals crossing illegally will be subject to removal.
Since May 2023, the DHS has already removed or returned over 300,000 noncitizens, including more than 45,000 family unit members. The U.S. is determined to ensure that all noncitizens, including Venezuelan nationals without a legal basis to stay, are properly screened for valid protection claims in accordance with U.S. and international laws.
ICE Air Operations plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer and removal of noncitizens through commercial airlines and chartered flights. The press release also revealed that ICE now has the ability to repatriate Venezuelan nationals back to their home country, marking a significant advancement in enforcing immigration laws.
In a related development, Acting Deputy Secretary Canegallo recently toured DHS operations in Arizona and Texas between October 20-21. During her visit, she expressed gratitude to personnel for their service and discussed additional support needed. Canegallo also inspected newly-introduced screening technology aimed at intercepting fentanyl, a drug primarily trafficked through Ports of Entry.
The tour coincided with a supplemental funding request made by the Biden-Harris Administration to Congress. The request aims to strengthen personnel, technology, and infrastructure for border security. The administration is committed to addressing the challenges at the border and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
