WASHINGTON – On November 16, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a third large-frame charter removal flight in less than six months to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) of Chinese nationals with no lawful basis to remain in the United States. This removal flight is yet another example of the Department’s ongoing cooperation with the PRC and other international partners to reduce and deter irregular migration through enforcement of immigration law. DHS and its counterparts in the PRC also continue joint work to counter human smuggling networks. Our messaging has been clear: Do not believe the lies of smugglers. The United States continues to enforce immigration law, and those without a legal basis to remain will be removed.
DHS is enforcing U.S. immigration laws and delivering tough consequences for those who enter unlawfully or without authorization. This includes swiftly returning those without a legal basis to remain in the United States, while encouraging the use of safe, lawful, and orderly pathways; holding transnational criminal networks accountable for abusing our lawful trade and travel systems; and preventing the smuggling and exploitation of vulnerable people.
President Biden’s June 4 Proclamation temporarily suspending the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border has led to a more than 55% decrease in Border Patrol encounters. DHS regularly engages counterparts throughout the hemisphere and around the world to accept removals of their nationals who have no legal basis to remain in the United States. From the implementation of President Biden’s Proclamation on June 4th through the end of October, DHS has operated more than 640 international repatriation flights to more than 155 countries—including the PRC, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and India -- removing or returning more individuals in FY2024 than any year since FY2010. Efforts to expand removal flights continue.