US executes second deportation flight to China amid rising migration pressure

The United States has deported a group of Chinese nationals this week, marking the second deportation flight to China this year. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to specify the number of passengers but confirmed the flight took place on Tuesday.

This follows the first such flight in July, the largest of its kind since 2018. The effort reflects a broader crackdown on illegal migration, as articulated by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: “Intending migrants should not believe the lies of smugglers — Chinese nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal.”

President Joe Biden’s June proclamation, which restricted certain migrant entries at the southern border, has led to a reported 55% drop in border encounters. DHS data shows nearly 400 international repatriation flights have been conducted to over 140 countries, including China.

“This week’s flight demonstrates the Department’s continued commitment to pursuing sustained cooperation with the PRC and other international partners to reduce and deter irregular migration,” DHS said.

The deportation comes amid increasing numbers of Chinese migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. GOP data reveals over 24,000 encounters with Chinese nationals at the border this fiscal year alone.