On October 15, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted its second charter removal flight to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) this year, transporting Chinese nationals. This operation follows a previous large charter removal flight in June, which was the first since 2018 and was coordinated with the PRC's National Immigration Administration. The recent flight is part of DHS's ongoing efforts to collaborate with international partners to address irregular migration.
The DHS maintains its commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration laws by swiftly returning individuals without legal status in the United States while promoting lawful entry pathways. Following President Biden's Proclamation on June 4, which temporarily suspended certain noncitizen entries across the southern border, there has been a reported decrease of over 55% in Border Patrol encounters. By the end of August, DHS had operated more than 398 international repatriation flights to over 140 countries, including China.
"Intending migrants should not believe the lies of smugglers – Chinese nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal," stated Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "The Department of Homeland Security will continue to strengthen consequences for individuals unlawfully entering our country and enforce our nation’s laws."
DHS actively engages with global counterparts to facilitate repatriations and reduce irregular migration while promoting safe and lawful pathways. Over the past year, individuals have been removed or returned from various countries worldwide, such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, India, and China. These actions have resulted in more removals or returns in FY2024 than any year since FY2010.
Efforts are ongoing to expand removal flights further.
