The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with multiple government entities, has begun the process of flying single adults and family units to Venezuela, Ecuador, India, Peru and Central America. This action is part of a broader effort by the United States to address immigration issues.
This operation comes as a coordinated effort from different branches within the U.S. government, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) working in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). According to a news release, the agencies handled multiple removal flights among dozens of other routine ICE removal flights conducted globally. Since May 2023, DHS has removed or returned more than 380,000 individuals, which includes over 60,000 individual family unit members, according to a news release.
The policy affecting noncitizens lacking legal status remains consistent. Noncitizens without lawful basis to stay in the United States will be removed, according to a media release. The United States ensures that all noncitizens without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. are screened for valid protection claims in adherence to all domestic laws. This practice applies to all noncitizens from every country, to best ensure organized and thorough processing of individuals and families.
DHS is currently being led by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Immigrants can present their claims to protection before judges in the immigration courts if they wish, according to the DHS news release.
