On November 16, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), via U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a significant charter removal flight to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This marks the third such flight in under six months, involving Chinese nationals without lawful residency in the United States. The initiative is part of DHS's ongoing collaboration with PRC and other international partners aimed at reducing irregular migration through strict enforcement of immigration laws.
DHS emphasized its commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and imposing consequences on those entering unlawfully or without authorization. The department aims to swiftly return individuals without legal grounds for staying in the country while promoting safe, lawful, and orderly pathways for migration. Additionally, efforts are being made to hold transnational criminal networks accountable for exploiting trade and travel systems and preventing human smuggling.
President Biden’s June 4 Proclamation temporarily suspended entry for certain noncitizens across the southern border, resulting in a more than 52% reduction in Border Patrol encounters. DHS continues to engage with international counterparts to facilitate removals of nationals lacking legal status in the U.S. Since implementing Biden’s Proclamation on June 4th through October's end, DHS has executed over 640 international repatriation flights to more than 155 countries, including China, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and India. These efforts have led to more removals or returns in FY2024 than any year since FY2010.
Efforts to expand removal flights persist as part of DHS's strategy.
