Washington, November 18, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a large-scale charter removal flight to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on November 16, deporting Chinese nationals who lacked a lawful basis to remain in the United States. This marks the third such flight in less than six months as part of DHS’s ongoing enforcement of immigration laws and international collaboration to deter irregular migration.
DHS highlighted its cooperation with the PRC in addressing human smuggling networks and reinforcing the message that unlawful entry into the United States carries strict consequences. “Do not believe the lies of smugglers,” DHS emphasized. “The United States continues to enforce immigration law, and those without a legal basis to remain will be removed.”
The department reaffirmed its commitment to returning individuals who lack legal grounds to remain, while encouraging the use of safe and lawful pathways. DHS also pledged to combat transnational criminal networks that exploit trade and travel systems, prevent human smuggling, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
According to DHS, President Biden’s June 4 Proclamation, which temporarily restricted the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border, has significantly reduced unlawful crossings, resulting in a 52% decrease in Border Patrol encounters. Since the Proclamation’s implementation, DHS has intensified repatriation efforts, operating over 640 international removal flights to more than 155 countries, including China, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and India. Fiscal Year 2024 has seen the highest number of removals since FY2010, and DHS is working to further expand these operations.
This recent removal flight underscores DHS’s commitment to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and maintaining international partnerships to deter unlawful migration.
