US thanks Uzbekistan for ‘historic’ deportation operation

On April 30, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the government of Uzbekistan, carried out the deportation of Uzbek nationals who were residing illegally in the United States. The U.S. government described the operation as “historic” and expressed its gratitude to Uzbekistan. This was stated in an official release from the department.

According to the statement, the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Uzbek government, successfully deported more than 100 illegal immigrants from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Notably, Uzbekistan covered the full financial costs of repatriating its citizens, which the U.S. described as a sign of the growing security cooperation between the two nations.

“We highly appreciate the fact that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan sent a plane to repatriate his citizens. We look forward to continuing our cooperation in strengthening security and upholding the rule of law,” said Christy Noem, head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The operation is part of a broader series of agreements reached by former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration with foreign countries on migration enforcement. The statement highlights similar arrangements with Colombia, which agreed to accept deported migrants; with El Salvador, on apprehending criminals and gang members; and with Mexico, which became a key partner in the fight against drug cartels—resulting in the arrest of over 6,000 traffickers, the highest number in the country’s history.

“These measures reflect the Trump administration’s robust diplomatic strategy to restore the integrity of the immigration system. Illegal immigrants must be returned to their countries of origin,” the statement read.

Fox News Digital reported that citizens of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were transferred to their respective home countries upon arrival in Uzbekistan. This operation marked the first deportation flight funded by a foreign country since Donald Trump assumed office.

“Uzbekistan has fully covered the costs associated with deporting its citizens. The Department of Homeland Security considers this agreement a model for future cooperation between the United States and other nations on immigration enforcement,” the report noted.

It should be recalled that earlier reports indicated Uzbek nationals residing illegally in the U.S. and listed for deportation were scheduled to be repatriated via a charter flight. The operation included the organization of a special flight on the New York–Tashkent route.