US Carries Out 79 Repatriation Flights for Migrants in First Three Weeks of 2022
The United States has conducted 79 repatriation flights for migrants who entered the country irregularly in the first three weeks of the year, with the majority being destined for Guatemala and Honduras. This information was reported by US ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar on Monday.
Salazar highlighted the close collaboration between Mexico and the United States in managing the ongoing migratory flows. He did not specify the number of people transported on the flights but emphasized that these actions were an important part of handling the unprecedented migration situation.
The flights have been destined for 12 countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Salazar also mentioned the recent meeting between Mexican Foreign Minister, Alicia Bárcena, and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, as an example of the solid joint work on immigration matters.
In addition to the repatriation flights, the US ambassador mentioned the reinforcement measures taken, such as increased immigration controls on bus, train, and plane routes in Mexico, as well as the persecution of transnational organizations that exploit migrants.
Foreign Minister Bárcena also stated that migration through Mexico to the United States has been reduced by half since December, a fact that was recognized by the White House in a bilateral meeting. President Andrés López Obrador is scheduled to meet with Texan US congressmen Michael McCaul and Randy Weber amid immigration tensions, just days after Mexico condemned anti-immigrant comments made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The ongoing collaboration between Mexico and the United States in addressing the migration situation reflects their shared responsibility in managing the issue.