ICE Conducts Removal Flights to Multiple Countries in Late April 2024

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out removal flights of single adults and family units to various destinations, including Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Mexico, from April 22 to April 26, 2024. ICE collaborated closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to facilitate these removals, which align with established U.S. law.

Since May 12, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has overseen the removal or return of over 690,000 individuals, with more than 105,000 being family members. ICE stated that if a non-citizen has no legal basis to remain in the United States, they will be processed and removed quickly, consistent with U.S. law.

ICE ensures that all noncitizens lacking legal grounds for residency undergo thorough screening for valid protection claims and withholding of removal, adhering to both domestic laws and international obligations. Noncitizens subject to removal proceedings are afforded the opportunity to present their claims for relief or protection before immigration judges.

Why this matters: The removal flights conducted by ICE highlight the ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to enforce immigration laws and manage the flow of individuals entering the country. These actions have significant implications for the individuals involved, their families, and the broader debate surrounding immigration policy in the United States.

ICE Air Operations plays a vital role in facilitating the transfer and removal of noncitizens, including family units, utilizing both commercial airlines and chartered flights. In 2022, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) conducted 142,580 removals and 62,545 expulsions to more than 170 countries worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• ICE conducted removal flights to various countries from April 22-26, 2024.
• Since May 2023, DHS has overseen the removal or return of over 690,000 individuals.
• ICE ensures noncitizens undergo screening for valid protection claims before removal.
• ICE Air Operations plays a vital role in facilitating the transfer and removal of noncitizens.
• In 2022, ICE's ERO conducted 142,580 removals and 62,545 expulsions to over 170 countries.