The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the USA is resuming direct deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants, as well as increasing repatriations of Cubans. This initiative was halted during the COVID-19 pandemic but has now restarted. In an interview with the Miami Herald, Patrick J. Lechleitner, acting director of ICE, expressed his desire to enhance these efforts. He stated that negotiations are ongoing with both countries to facilitate returns, despite challenges navigating a dynamic international environment where the frequency of deportation flights can fluctuate based on foreign governments’ willingness to accept their citizens.
In May 2023, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processed over 44,500 individuals through appointments at US ports of entry using advanced information provided through the CBP One application. Since January 2023, more than 636,600 people have scheduled appointments to appear at ports of entry. The main nationalities processed after arrival for appointments are Venezuelan and Cuban, followed by Haitian, Mexican, and Honduran individuals.
The CBP reported a decrease in irregular crossings of migrants at the southern border in May 2023, marking the third consecutive month of decline with 117,900 arrests – a 9% decrease from April. This trend reflects ongoing efforts to manage migration flows at the border.
In real estate transactions
