Three federal agencies worked in conjunction last week to lead removal flights of undocumented migrants to Latin America and India. This inter-agency initiative was part of an effort to enforce immigration laws and establish consequences for illegal entry into the United States.
The following details offer a more comprehensive understanding of this initiative. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) helped the agency schedule 30 flights involving families and single adults. Venezuela, Central America, Brazil, Colombia, India, and Peru were among the countries or regions where the flights landed. Moreover, 5,000 individuals were sent back to Mexico.
In addition to providing factual data, representatives from DHS also shared some insights into their policy goals. "The Biden-Harris Administration has led the largest expansion of lawful pathways in decades, and continues to enforce consequences, including removal to their home country, for those who do not use these pathways to come to the United States. The resumption of removal flights to Venezuela in October played a role in the 65% decrease in Venezuelan encounters seen by CBP in the second half of October," said Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo. "Do not listen to the lies of smugglers. Individuals who cross unlawfully won’t be eligible for these lawful pathways and will be removed if they have no legal basis to remain."
Further reinforcing this stance are comments made by ICE Enforcement's Executive Associate Director. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Executive Associate Director Corey Price said in the news release that there are repercussions for individuals who choose to come into America illegally. "In accordance with U.S. law, we will continue to repatriate noncitizens back to their home country who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States," he said.
DHS also issued a clarification on the rules concerning removal of non-citizens. According to the media release, individuals who are not citizens of the U.S. or lack the paperwork to enter the country will be removed in compliance with federal law. DHS states that all noncitizens, including Venezuelan nationals, without a legal basis to remain in America will be properly vetted in accordance with the law and America’s international obligations.
