WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working with the U.S. Department of State, has transported home 16 U.S. citizens on the return leg of a removal flight via ICE Air Operations Monday. U.S. citizens occupied the Space Available (“Space A”) seats on flights to the United States from Colombia.

ICE removed Colombian nationals with final orders of removal from the United States to their home country March 30. On the return flight to the United States, ICE transported U.S. citizens in accordance with the OMB Circular A-126 and the DHS MD 0020.1.

Prior to boarding an ICE Air flight, detainees are screened for a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees or other symptoms. Detainees with symptoms are immediately referred to a medical provider for further evaluation and observation. ICE will continue to work with the State Department to facilitate the safe return of U.S. citizens on future removal flight returns during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of U.S citizens from Colombia is the first time these operations have expanded beyond Northern Triangle countries.