On October 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a charter removal flight to India for Indian nationals who did not have a legal basis to remain in the United States. This action is part of DHS's ongoing efforts to collaborate with the Indian government and other international partners to address irregular migration and combat human smuggling.
The DHS continues to enforce immigration laws in the United States, ensuring consequences for those entering unlawfully. The department focuses on returning individuals without legal grounds swiftly while promoting lawful pathways for migration. Since June 2024, following the implementation of the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and an Interim Final Rule, encounters at ports of entry along the southwest border have decreased by 55%. Over 160,000 individuals have been removed or returned since then, with more than 495 international repatriation flights operated to over 145 countries, including India.
"Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal, and intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers who proclaim otherwise," stated Kristie A. Canegallo, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. "The Department of Homeland Security will continue to enforce our nation’s laws."
DHS engages regularly with foreign governments globally to facilitate repatriations of their nationals who lack legal status in the United States. This strategy is one among many employed by DHS to reduce irregular migration and encourage safe and lawful pathways while holding transnational criminal networks accountable for smuggling activities.
Over the past year, DHS has conducted removals to various countries worldwide including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, China (PRC), and India. These efforts resulted in more removals or returns in FY2024 than any year since FY2010 as DHS continues expanding its removal flight operations.
