The Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury have jointly issued an alert to airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers. The alert is in response to migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks exploiting legitimate transportation services to facilitate irregular migration to the United States. This statement outlines the U.S. government’s efforts to promote responsible practices in the industry, prevent and disrupt illicit activity, and enhance compliance with lawful immigration and migration pathways.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and several member airlines recently announced their commitment to strengthen collaboration with governments and international organizations. Their aim is to address irregular migration and consider commercial measures that could minimize illicit travel.
Recent developments in the aviation sector expose migrants, airlines, air charter operators, travel agents, and service providers to increased safety, economic, reputational, financial, logistical, and legal risks. This statement provides recommendations that could help industry stakeholders and governments reduce their exposure to risks associated with facilitating irregular migration.
Migrants are increasingly using Managua as a disembarkation point for continuing their journey northward by overland means. The United States has shared releasable intelligence with the aviation sector highlighting this trend. It underscores the need for greater enforcement of airline policies concerning flights in and out of Managua.
President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo of Nicaragua have implemented permissive-by-design migration policies. These policies have created opportunities for migrant smuggling and trafficking networks to exploit migrants for economic gain. They also fuel dangerous irregular travel towards the U.S. southwest border.
There are numerous examples of ruthless smuggling networks taking advantage of these routes:
In September 2023, Ofelia Hernandez-Salas was extradited to the United States by Mexico for allegedly conspiring with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants into the United States from various countries including Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan among others.
In December 2023 French authorities thwarted an attempt by an organization to move individuals from India, through France, into Nicaragua for further transportation and smuggling arrangements to the U.S. southwest border.
In May 2024, an Egyptian court initiated the trial of 16 individuals accused of smuggling migrants to the United States. The individuals face criminal charges related to organized crime and human smuggling.
The Departments of State, Homeland Security, and the Treasury have provided a list of recommended industry actions. These include monitoring high-risk routes, reporting companies that trigger concerns, undertaking appropriate due diligence, and transmitting Advance Passenger Information (API).
The U.S. Government will continue taking actions such as government-to-government training and information sharing, industry training, visa restrictions and sanctioning transnational criminal organizations. The aim is to halt irregular migration and exploitation of migrant populations.
