U.S. ramps up immigrant repatriation flights to the Caribbean

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), in a collaborative effort with the US Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection, has ramped up its efforts in deporting immigrants. 

This increased activity, focusing on both single adults and families, has impacted several Caribbean nations, among other countries worldwide.

Widespread repatriation efforts

Between December 18 and 22, ICE orchestrated numerous flights for repatriation. 

These flights targeted a diverse set of countries, including Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean region. 

Additionally, Central American countries, along with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela, were also involved in these repatriation efforts.

Numbers in recent weeks

Reports are that in the past two weeks, ICE has been conducting over 30 repatriation flights. This initiative has resulted in the transportation of thousands of individuals to their countries of origin. A significant focus has been on Mexico, where ICE has successfully repatriated more than 5,000 people.

Comprehensive deportation statistics

Since May 12, the Department of Homeland Security has taken stringent measures, resulting in the removal or return of over 445,000 individuals. 

It is further reported that the majority of these individuals were intercepted at the Southwest Border of the United States. 

Among these, over 70,000 were part of family units.