Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the USA is working to resume direct deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants and increase repatriations for Cubans. Acting director Patrick J. Lechleitner expressed his desire to have the federal government resume these returns to two countries that have seen a significant number of migrants attempting to cross the border in recent years.
Lechleitner stated that negotiations are ongoing with these countries, and they are trying to enhance the process. However, the frequency of deportation flights can fluctuate depending on the willingness of a foreign government to receive their citizens, a factor that ICE cannot control.
Since its introduction, CBP One, an application that allows for advanced scheduling, has processed over 44,500 people through appointments at US ports of entry. From January 2023 to May of this year, more than 636,600 appointments have been scheduled at ports of entry. The main nationalities processed after arrival for appointment include Venezuelans and Cubans, with Haitians, Mexicans and Hondurans following suit.
In May, the CBP reported a decrease in irregular crossings on the southern border for the third consecutive month, with 117,900 arrests which is 9% less than in April.
