Immigration officials sent dozens of Haitians back to their home country on Thursday, according to three government officials, in the first deportation flight conducted by the United States government in months to the country, which has been gripped by widespread violence.
Deportation flights are generally viewed as a way to deter migrants from crossing the southern border without authorization.
The United States has been concerned about migration from Haiti after a gang takeover of its capital, Port-au-Prince, this year led to the planned resignation of the prime minister, Ariel Henry.
Still, the deportation flight on Thursday caught many immigrant advocacy groups by surprise.
The U.S. government itself advises Americans not to visit Haiti, citing “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure,” and has previously told family members of American officials in Haiti to leave.
Persons:
Ariel Henry, Biden, “
Organizations:
United
Locations:
United States, Haiti, Port, U.S