On January 6, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted its fifth large-frame charter removal flight in less than seven months to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The flight carried Chinese nationals with final orders of removal from the United States. This operation was part of ongoing cooperation between DHS and PRC authorities to repatriate individuals without a legal basis to remain in the U.S.

The DHS said that it will continue working with the PRC to combat human smuggling and deter irregular migration through coordinated efforts. According to DHS, this collaboration has resulted in a 62% decrease in PRC nationals encountered at the U.S. Southwest Border since June 2024.

"DHS is enforcing U.S. immigration laws and delivering tough consequences for those who enter unlawfully or without authorization," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. He added that the recent removal flights are part of a broader strategy that includes "tough consequences for illegal border crossing, extensive engagement with foreign countries, and the development of safe and lawful pathways for people to access humanitarian relief under our laws."

Since June 4, when a Presidential Proclamation on Securing the Border was implemented, there has been a significant decrease in unlawful border crossings. The DHS reported more than a 70% decrease in encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border.

From June through November, DHS operated over 740 international repatriation flights to more than 160 countries, including China, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and India. In fiscal year 2024 alone, DHS removed or returned over 742,000 individuals—more than any year since fiscal year 2010.