Jesus Daniel Romero and William Acostar for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
This past weekend, we witnessed the complex process of repatriation flights for citizens deported from the United States under the immigration policies of President Donald J. Trump’s administration. Following a strong presidential exchange between President Trump and his Colombian counterpart regarding the transportation of deported Colombian citizens, Colombia has sent an aircraft from the Air Force to transport its deported citizens back from the United States. This would be the first time a country sends its own aircraft to deport its own citizens, saving this cost for the United States. This event demonstrates the effectiveness of President Trump's immigration policies just one week after taking office.
The repatriation remains a critical challenge amid ongoing geopolitical and humanitarian crises, particularly as nations deal with increasing flows of migrants. The situation regarding repatriation efforts has evolved significantly, especially concerning the strategy of the upcoming Trump administration towards the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
Effective repatriation requires immediate flights to facilitate the timely return of individuals to their home countries, alleviating pressure on host nations. Stranded migrants face considerable challenges without adequate resources and support, underscoring the need for a coherent strategy. The ongoing suspension of deportation flights to Venezuela complicates these efforts. The Maduro government has consistently refused to accept deportees, a stance that reflects both political calculations and a broader strategy among leftist regimes in Latin America.
This refusal serves to destabilize democracies in the region while leveraging negotiations with the new U.S. administration. By blocking the return of its citizens, the Maduro regime exacerbates the situation for migrants and uses migration as a tool for political gain, evident in strategies such as the Hormiga Plan and the Nautilus Operation. The main objective in refusing repatriation flights is to force the U.S. to negotiate non-migrant issues that benefit the interests of the Venezuelan regime, including demands for billions of dollars.
The implications for migrants are severe. Many individuals find themselves in limbo, unable to return home while facing significant challenges in their host countries. The potential closure of the Immigration Processing Center in Colombia and Central America is a critical issue that deserves attention. These facilities should be closed because they encourage illegal immigration to the United States by creating the impression that the U.S. government supports and tolerates these actions through the existence of the centers. Additionally, it is widely recognized that once migrants enter U.S. territory, they will receive various incentives, including shelter, food, and financial assistance, particularly in sanctuary cities, which further encourages irregular immigration.
The immigration policies of the Biden administration have contributed to a chaotic landscape, leaving many individuals exposed to danger and uncertainty. The lack of a coherent strategy has led to significant backlogs and delays in asylum application processing, straining relationships with neighboring countries managing the migration flows.
The influence of Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran in Venezuela plays a significant role in supporting the Nicolás Maduro regime and its plans to destabilize democracies in Latin America and the United States. These countries provide political, economic, and military support, strengthening Maduro's grip on power. This external support not only bolsters Maduro’s regime but also contributes to the despair of the Venezuelan people, pushing them to seek refuge elsewhere. The collaboration between these nations and the Maduro administration creates a complex web of influence that undermines regional stability, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that forces many Venezuelans to leave their homeland.
To deport illegal and criminal migrants more efficiently, it is essential to re-evaluate existing procedures and laws. Identifying and addressing loopholes that can be exploited to delay deportations will enhance the overall effectiveness of the immigration system. Hiring more immigration adjudication officers and deportation staff will help expedite the deportation process, ensuring that those who pose a risk to public safety are removed from the U.S. in a timely manner.
Moreover, implementing a zero-tolerance policy for the re-entry of individuals who have been deported from the U.S. is crucial. The current situation has turned into a revolving door, as many deported individuals attempt to return without facing significant consequences. By establishing strict penalties for re-entry after deportation, the U.S. can deter future attempts and reinforce the seriousness of immigration laws.
It is also crucial to refine the asylum application process, as many applicants do not meet the basic requirements for approval. By implementing stricter criteria and providing better training for adjudicators, the system can focus resources on legitimate claims while accelerating the rejection of those who do not meet established standards. This approach will help alleviate the burden of the asylum process and reduce case backlogs.
Another consideration is the introduction of a visa system that allows migrants to apply for legal entry into the United States. While this concept presents a pathway for legal migration, the financial requirements associated with the visa application process can be prohibitive for many potential applicants. High fees and financial documentation may disincentivize those who genuinely wish to enter the U.S. legally, leading to reliance on irregular migration routes.
To facilitate this legal pathway for entry, the U.S. government should explore options to reduce the financial barriers associated with visa applications. Implementing a tiered fee structure based on income levels or providing alternative payment options could make the process more accessible to a broader range of applicants. Additionally, expanding programs that offer support and guidance to visa applicants can help demystify the process and ensure that more individuals can navigate the complexities of legal immigration.
Authorities in Latin American countries are well aware of the criminal organizations operating within their territories and profiting from illegal migration. More proactive coordination among these governments is essential to combat these organizations at their roots. By sharing intelligence and resources, countries can disrupt trafficking networks and dismantle systems that facilitate irregular migration. Enhanced collaboration among law enforcement, combined with community outreach programs that inform potential migrants about the dangers of illegal migration, can significantly reduce the influence of these criminal groups.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office again, the context of U.S.-Mexico relations is particularly relevant. Mexico has historically been a focal point of Trump’s rhetoric on immigration, drug trafficking, and trade. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s newly elected president, may take a more ideological stance compared to her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. However, Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico is ready and willing to assist its citizens in their return and that Mexican consulates in the U.S. are prepared to help. This shift could present new challenges in negotiations, particularly regarding immigration and trade.
Trump is expected to maintain a strong focus on immigration and border issues, regardless of changes in Mexican leadership. The appointment of Thomas Homan as Trump’s border czar is indicative of the administration’s intentions regarding the border crisis. Trump’s prior interactions with leaders like López Obrador were characterized by transactional policies, which may not translate effectively with the Sheinbaum administration. The upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement presents additional challenges, particularly with renegotiation demands stemming from recent legal changes in Mexico.
National security concerns will remain a priority for the U.S. Former diplomats have indicated that Trump’s immigration policies may not soften despite economic ties. The U.S. approach to migration is often driven by national security and cultural identity, contrasting with Mexico’s economic logic for managing migration. The ongoing rivalry with China adds another layer of complexity, as concerns about Chinese companies establishing operations in Mexico could affect jobs and the U.S. trade dynamic.
In terms of drug policy, while there are signs of increased action against drug trafficking, the Sheinbaum administration may resist U.S. military intervention in Mexico, a historically controversial issue. Some Mexican officials express optimism about avoiding conflicts with Trump due to economic interdependence, although this perspective may be overly optimistic given Trump’s history and campaign rhetoric. The dismantling of independent regulatory bodies in Mexico could also violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, leading to more tensions.
The current state of deportation flights to Venezuela remains precarious, with ongoing cancellations disrupting plans to repatriate Venezuelan migrants. The Venezuelan government’s refusal to accept these flights is part of a strategic maneuver to recalibrate against U.S. sanctions while diplomatic relations become increasingly complicated. This situation poses significant challenges for the Trump administration, which will need to navigate these complexities while addressing the ongoing migration crisis.
Amid these political challenges, President Trump has said he is in talks with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to deport Venezuelan criminals, including members of the Tren de Aragua, to be incarcerated in El Salvador. Likewise, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Guatemala, where he will be addressing mutual security issues including mass migration and deportation flights. Guatemala has extensive experience in the deportation of Guatemalan citizens on repatriation flights.
The crisis continues in Venezuela, marked by economic collapse and political repression, driving massive migration. The lack of effective repatriation solutions amplifies the humanitarian crisis, as a substantial portion of the Venezuelan population has left the country, creating one of the largest migration patterns in modern history.
To address the challenges associated with illegal migration, proactive investigations should be initiated to dismantle organizations that facilitate such movements across the southern and Canadian borders. This could involve increased funding and resources for law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations into trafficking networks. Implementing stricter penalties and punishments for individuals and organizations found guilty of participating in these crimes is essential. By establishing a zero-tolerance policy toward those who exploit vulnerable migrants, the U.S. can deter illegal activities and improve national security while protecting the rights of legitimate asylum seekers.
In conclusion, the complexities of repatriation in the current geopolitical climate underscore the need for coordinated international efforts. The complexities surrounding the policies of nations such as Venezuela and Mexico require a comprehensive approach to immigration and repatriation. As the situation evolves, it is crucial to address the humanitarian needs of migrants while navigating the political landscapes influencing their destinies, particularly in the context of leftist strategies aimed at destabilizing democracy in Latin America and the U.S. By implementing these recommendations, the U.S. can move towards a more effective and humane immigration policy that benefits both migrants and host nations. It is imperative that the Trump administration acts swiftly and effectively in resolving these issues, as this was a key theme in his campaign. Controlling the border is likely to be a topic that could jeopardize Trump's second administration.
Media credits
The information presented in this report has beenobtained from various reputable media sources, including:
The New York Times
BBC News
Reuters
The Washington Post
Al Jazeera
CNN
The Guardian
Bloomberg
These sources have provided valuable insights into the complexities of immigration policies, the impact of geopolitical influences, and the challenges faced by migrants and governments alike.
Jesús Romero retired after 37 years of service in the U.S. government, encompassing military, intelligence, and diplomatic roles. He began his career in the Navy in 1984, rising from enlisted member to Naval Intelligence Officer through the Navy's Enlisted Commissioning Program. A graduate of Norfolk State University with a degree in Political Science, Romero also completed Naval Aviation Pre-Flight Training and served in various capacities, including aboard a nuclear missile cruiser and in attack squadrons. His deployments included Libya, Bosnia, Iraq, and Somalia. The intelligence career of Romero included key assignments with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Panama, the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific in Hawaii, and leading U.S. efforts for locating missing personnel in Asia. He retired from active duty in 2006, awarded numerous medals such as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. Following his military career, Romero worked as a defense contractor for BAE Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton. He spent 15 years in civil service as an Intelligence Operations Specialist at the Army Department in the Southern Joint Interagency Task Force in Florida. His diplomatic roles abroad included periods in Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Romero has been widely recognized, including the Joint Service Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Chiefs of Staff, the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal, and multiple international awards for his contributions to anti-drug missions. Romero wrote his latest book to honor his colleagues and illuminate disruptive strategies against an international criminal organization, which under his leadership, significantly hindered cocaine trafficking to the United States. His efforts contributed to the dismantling of operations supporting Mexican cartels and reduced the cocaine airlift by over 120 tons annually.
He is the author of the Amazon best seller titled "The Final Flight: The Queen of the Air"
William Acosta is the founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc. He has coordinated investigations related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides in the U.S. and other countries around the world such as Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, and literally, all of Latin America.
William has been a New York Police Investigator for 10 years, 2 years at the Department of the Treasury, and 6 years in the U.S. Army with various international deployments for communications and intelligence issues.
CAREER AND EXPERIENCE
William Acosta, a veteran international investigator, coordinated multijurisdictional investigations on drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides in the United States and other countries.
Acosta's martial arts training in taekwondo reached the 6th dan, practicing traditionally as a lifestyle and not just for fighting.
The transition from police work to private investigation allowed Acosta to make his own rules and choose clients after more than 20 years in the profession.
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