In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection, orchestrated a second charter flight to Venezuela on October 24, 2023. This initiative aims to remove individuals lacking legal authorization to stay in the United States, reinforcing ongoing efforts to uphold immigration laws.
Since May 2023, DHS has executed the removal or return of over 300,000 noncitizens, including more than 45,000 family unit members. Acting Deputy Secretary Kristie Canegallo emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing lawful pathways while underlining the consequences for those crossing the border unlawfully.
Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner hailed a significant advancement, noting that ICE can now repatriate Venezuelan nationals without legal standing in the U.S. CBP’s Senior Official Troy A. Miller issued a stern warning against illegal border crossings, emphasizing the potential risks to lives and the continuation of direct repatriations to Venezuela.
The removal process adheres to U.S. law, ensuring proper screening for protection claims and withholding of removal. All noncitizens, including Venezuelans without legal standing, undergo thorough assessments in line with U.S. international obligations.
As individuals enter removal proceedings, they present claims for relief before immigration judges. ICE Air Operations plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer and removal of noncitizens, utilizing commercial airlines and chartered flights to support field offices and broader DHS initiatives.
This development reflects the administration’s commitment to a secure and orderly immigration process, discouraging illegal border crossings and reinforcing consequences for those without legal grounds to remain in the United States.
Source: DHS
