Head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Patrick Lechleitner, informed lawmakers this week that China ranks among the top three countries failing to cooperate in receiving their deported nationals.
This revelation coincides with a notable increase in Chinese nationals encountered at the southern border.
During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Rep. John Rutherford queried Lechleitner on the most challenging countries for repatriation efforts.
Lechleitner identified Bhutan, Cambodia, and China, noting recent, albeit cautious, progress with the latter.
Collaborating with other DHS agencies and the State Department, ICE endeavors to address the issue of uncooperative nations.
However, Lechleitner acknowledged the complexity of the matter, citing geopolitical concerns, among other factors.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas disclosed to House lawmakers that a deportation flight to China had recently occurred following his discussions with Chinese counterparts.
The influx of Chinese nationals entering the U.S. illegally has surged in fiscal year 2024, surpassing the total apprehensions of fiscal year 2023.
Border Patrol data reveals 24,296 Chinese nationals were intercepted between ports of entry in the first half of fiscal 2024, compared to 24,125 in fiscal 2023.
Notably, apprehensions were significantly lower in fiscal years 2021 and 2022.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential ties of these migrants to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S.
A recent incident involved the detention of a Chinese illegal immigrant in California for unauthorized entry onto a Marine Corps base despite orders to leave.
Source: Fox News