Biden administration will begin deporting Venezuelan migrants directly to Venezuela

The Biden administration will restart deporting Venezuelans directly to Venezuela in an attempt to curb the record influx of crossings at the US-Mexico border, according to senior administration officials, marking a major shift in policy.

Venezuelans who cross the US-Mexico border unlawfully and lack a legal basis to remain in the United States will be eligible for removal, the senior administration officials said on Thursday, adding that Venezuela agreed to accept back their nationals.

"Today's announcement is a key part of our continuing efforts to strengthen the consequences that are in place at the border for migrants who cross unlawfully," one of the officials said.

Thursday's announcement is the latest effort by the Biden administration to try to discourage migration to the US-Mexico border, while highlighting other lawful pathways available to certain migrants who want to migrate to the US. It's also a recognition of the complicated - and unique - challenge for the Biden administration as it faces a historic wave of Venezuelan migrants.

Officials said Thursday that some migrants have already been identified for deportation. "Starting today, the United States will begin direct repatriations of Venezuelan nationals back to their home country, and in fact we have already identified individuals in our custody today who will be removed promptly in the coming days," the official added.

Venezuelans make up a large share of border crossings and for years, the US has generally been unable deport them because of frosty diplomatic relations with Venezuela. Mexico has agreed to take some, but it remains a difficult issue for administration and for cities receiving migrants.

"Restarting deportations to Venezuela will send a deterrence message. I would also expect it to trigger a short term drop in Venezuelan apprehensions. The question is what happens in five or six months," said former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Sandweg.