"The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have carried out deportation flights to Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela from December 11 to 13. These flights carried single adults and families who were not legally allowed to stay in the U.S. This process follows U.S. law and international agreements, ensuring all noncitizens are checked for valid protection claims.

The deportation process applies to all noncitizens, regardless of nationality. It aims for orderly and humane handling and deportation of single adults and families. In the past two weeks, DHS has carried out over thirty deportation flights, sending thousands of people back to their home countries. Over five thousand people have been sent back to Mexico.

Noncitizens in deportation proceedings present their claims for relief or protection in immigration courts. These courts are run by the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. For security reasons, ICE does not discuss future or ongoing transportation operations.

ICE Air Operations supports the transfer and deportation of noncitizens, including families, using commercial and chartered flights. This supports ICE field offices and other DHS initiatives. In the fiscal year 2022, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations carried out 72,177 deportations to over 150 countries.

DHS has released additional videos to the public and media. These include footage of deportation flights, a public service announcement, and testimonials from deported migrants. This is part of DHS's efforts to be transparent and help people understand the deportation process.

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