The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for organizing and funding a flight on which 131 Central Asian nationals returned to their homeland on April 30.

“We commend Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his leadership in sending a flight to return 131 illegal aliens back to their home country,” said DHS Secretary, Ms. Kristi Noem.  “We look forward to continuing to work together with Uzbekistan on efforts to enhance our mutual security and uphold the rule of law.”

The press release issued by the DHS, in particular, states that “this landmark partnership is the latest in a long line of successful deals with foreign partners negotiated by President Trump and his administration.” 

“These are just some of the successful efforts that reflect President Trump’s vision for strong diplomatic cooperation and a restored immigration system, ensuring that illegal aliens are returned to their countries of origin. We are just getting started,” the press release notes.

Fergana news agency says Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov reportedly stated that the initiative for repatriation is aimed at protecting the rights of Uzbek citizens who found themselves in difficult situations abroad and is being carried out in accordance with international human rights norms and obligations.

"This concerns citizens who violated visa requirements or whose stay in the U.S. had expired. The repatriation process is organized on humanitarian and legal principles, ensuring the safe and dignified return of citizens," Burkhanov was cited as saying by Fergana news agency.

Donald Trump had repeatedly announced a toughening of immigration policies.

Shortly after his inauguration on January 20 of this year, mass deportations of illegal immigrants began.  According to U.S. authorities, by the end of November 2024, 975 Uzbek nationals, 369 Kazakh citizens, 319 Kyrgyz citizens, 149 Tajik citizens, and 40 Turkmen nationals were scheduled for deportation.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its stated missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management.

It began operations on March 1, 2003, after being formed as a result of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, enacted in response to the September 11 attacks.  With more than 240,000 employees, DHS is the third-largest Cabinet department, after the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.  Homeland security policy is coordinated at the White House by the Homeland Security Council.