US Deports 131 Central Asian Migrants to Uzbekistan

The United States recently deported over 130 Central Asian nationals—including citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan—on a charter flight organized and funded by Uzbekistan, marking the first time a U.S. partner has proactively provided such a flight for repatriation. This operation reflects a deepening partnership between the U.S. and Uzbekistan, with both governments emphasizing the importance of mutual security, border enforcement, and adherence to international protocols. U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, praised Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's leadership in this effort, highlighting the collaborative approach as a model for burden sharing and regional cooperation. The deportation aligns with longstanding U.S. immigration enforcement goals, building on previous policy initiatives to remove undocumented migrants while respecting human rights standards. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the effort as humanitarian, focusing on the safe and dignified return of citizens who had overstayed visas or violated U.S. immigration laws. Both governments signaled intentions to continue such bilateral cooperation to address migration and security challenges.