U.S. to Reinstate Deportation Flights for Venezuelan Migrants Amid Rising Influx

The U.S. administration under President Joe Biden is set to recommence the deportation of Venezuelan migrants, who constituted the largest single demographic intercepted at the U.S.-Mexico border last month. This action is being taken as the number of arrivals from Venezuela continues to surge. Although two American officials confirmed that the process would begin imminently, they did not disclose specific timelines for the deportation flights. The officials, not authorized to publicly divulge the government’s plans, spoke to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity.

The decision to restart deportation activities comes on the heels of an expansion in protective status for Venezuelans arriving in the United States. Individuals arriving prior to July 31 of this year would be eligible for such protections. This move aligns with President Biden’s broader strategy of not only creating legal avenues for immigration but also enforcing strict measures against illegal border crossings.

While the frequency of these deportation flights to Venezuela remains undisclosed, U.S. officials have indicated that like many other nations, Venezuela has been encouraged for some time to repatriate its citizens. This comes even as Cuba, another nation with strained relations with the U.S., announced earlier this year that it would begin receiving deportees on a limited basis.

Previously, some Venezuelans were repatriated via commercial airlines, albeit in limited numbers and often through intermediary countries. The Venezuelan government has announced an accord with the U.S. for a systematic and safe repatriation process. Venezuela’s foreign ministry commented through X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, attributing the mass migration to economic sanctions and blockades imposed on the country. They also indicated the initiation of a program to assist returning Venezuelans.

The latest U.S. action is an effort to address the burgeoning migrant crisis, as the Biden administration faces escalating pressure from both Republicans and Democratic mayors to take stronger measures to stem the flow of migrants. The announcement coincides with high-level meetings between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts in Mexico City, where migration remains a pivotal topic of discussion.

Alicia Bárcena, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary, disclosed that approximately 10,000 migrant encounters were recorded at the U.S.-Mexico border just this past Wednesday. She asserted that forceful actions would continue to be taken, including dismantling human trafficking networks. Secretary Blinken emphasized U.S. support for these efforts and spoke about training Mexican immigration officials to better identify and assist potential victims of human trafficking.

During his daily news briefing, Mexican President López Obrador emphasized the necessity for investment in the countries that migrants are fleeing from. He also criticized the Biden administration for waiving 26 federal laws in South Texas to expedite border wall construction, an action he had previously lauded Biden for avoiding.

In the backdrop of these immigration issues, the U.S. is also working with Mexico and other countries in the region to tackle security concerns, including the trafficking of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and arms smuggling.

Statistics released in September indicate that U.S. Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border in August, representing a 37% increase from July. Efforts to involve Mexico and other countries further south in mitigating migration have had limited success.

Venezuela has been in a prolonged economic and political crisis that has led to a mass exodus, with approximately 7.3 million people forced to leave the country. The majority have settled in neighboring Latin American countries, but an increasing number are making their way to the United States.

The U.S. had previously suspended deportation flights to Venezuela primarily due to limited diplomatic engagement with the country. The Homeland Security Department issued a statement affirming the resumption of deportation flights, stating that the U.S. is committed to strict enforcement of its immigration laws.

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Contributions to this report were made by Balsamo and Long from Washington, along with Rebecca Santana in Washington and Fabiola Sánchez in Mexico City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deportation of Venezuelan migrants

More about Deportation of Venezuelan migrants

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Statement on Venezuelan Deportations
• Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies
• Statistics on U.S.-Mexico Border Arrests
• Venezuelan Government’s Statement on Repatriation
• High-Level U.S.-Mexico Talks on Migration
• Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis Overview
• Antony Blinken’s Official Statements
• Mexican Foreign Affairs Statements
• Information on Protective Status for Venezuelans in the U.S.