Second repatriation flight sent to Venezuela from the U.S.

WASHINGTON (KVIA) -- Tuesday, the U.S. announced a second charter flight to Venezuela to deport undocumented migrants from the country, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The flight's facilitation was led by U.S. DHS, with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

DHS said it has deported more than 300,000 non-citizens since May 2023, including 45,000 individual family unit members.

“For the first time, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is able to repatriate Venezuelan nationals back to their home country for those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States,” said Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Patrick J. Lechleitner. “This is a tremendous step forward in the agency’s ability to strengthen consequences for migrants who cross our border unlawfully.” 

“No one should listen to the lies of smugglers; individuals who cross irregularly will be subject to removal if they do not have a legal basis to remain and will lose the ability to benefit from lawful pathways,”  said Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo.

DHS said the repatriation flights utilize commercial airlines to return migrants back to their home countries.