The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Monday, November 18, that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has used a large plane for the third time in less than six months to repatriate a large number of Chinese nationals without legal status back to their country.
The most recent repatriation was completed on November 16, but the number of Chinese citizens repatriated was not disclosed.
In recent years, the number of illegal Chinese immigrants staying in the United States has significantly increased.
According to data, the number of Chinese nationals illegally entering the United States has risen from 27,000 to 78,000 between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, the Asian community has become the fastest-growing group among illegal immigrants in the United States, tripling in numbers from 2000 to 2015.
In its statement, the US Department of Homeland Security stated that this repatriation operation demonstrates the US’s collaborative efforts with international partners to combat human trafficking networks and reduce illegal immigration into the United States. The department emphasized, “Our message is crystal clear: do not believe the lies of smugglers. The United States will continue to enforce immigration laws, and those without legal status will be repatriated.”
Since President Biden issued a proclamation on June 4 temporarily halting the entry of certain illegal immigrants crossing the border into the United States, the number of border crossing incidents encountered by the US Border Patrol has decreased by over 52%.
As of the end of October this year, the US Department of Homeland Security has carried out over 640 international repatriation flights covering more than 155 countries, including China, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and India, among others.
Data shows that the number of repatriations in the 2024 fiscal year has exceeded any year since the 2010 fiscal year. Authorities anticipate further expanding repatriation efforts.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that it will continue to enforce the US Immigration Law, holding illegal entrants accountable for serious consequences, including swift repatriation, while encouraging legal entry into the United States.
The department expressed its commitment to actively pursuing cross-border criminal networks engaged in illegal immigration activities through legitimate trade and travel systems and preventing these networks from profiting, engaging in human trafficking, or exploiting vulnerable communities.