US begins quietly flying Venezuelan migrants to Colombia

Removal flights to Colombia: what to expect and how to protect your options

If ICE schedules you (or a loved one) for a removal flight to Colombia, there are still steps that can pause, reopen, or reshape the case. However, timing is critical. We outline stays of removal, motions to reopen, fear-based protection, and what to do after removal to preserve future immigration possibilities.

Before the flight: urgent legal tools

Stay of removal (Form I-246) at the local ICE office; include equities (family, medical, humanitarian).
BIA stay + motion to reopen/reconsider (with new evidence, legal error, or post-conviction vacatur).
Federal court emergency stay (limited scenarios).
Prosecutorial discretion requests to OPLA (medical/safety concerns, U.S. ties).
Therefore, act immediately—some tools work only before physical removal.

Protection claims that can stop removal

Asylum / Withholding / CAT (credible or reasonable fear); fear can be raised even late if conditions changed or prior counsel was ineffective.
Changed country conditions evidence for a motion to reopen.
Deferred action or humanitarian requests (severe illness, caregiver roles, pregnancy, acute danger).
As a result, a strong record + country documentation is essential.

What actually happens on removal flights (high level)

Staging & transport: ICE may move people between facilities, then to an airport for ICE Air Operations.
Documents: Colombian travel letter or passport is required; ICE coordinates with the consulate.
Property & meds: You can request to carry critical medication and contact information; confirm medical clearance needs early.
Upon arrival: Transfer to Migración Colombia for entry processing and routine questioning.

If removal is imminent (same-week checklist)

Gather A-Number, full name/DOB, detention location, and any flight details.
Compile equities packet: U.S. spouse/children, medical letters, school records, tax filings, community support.
File I-246 with fees (or fee-waiver request) + exhibits; submit OPLA request in parallel.
If fear applies, affirmatively state fear of return and request screening.
Alert counsel for possible BIA/federal stay filings and to notify the ICE ERO officer.

After removal to Colombia: immediate steps

Keep copies of the order, departure documents, and entry stamp.
Secure Colombian IDs, medical care, and safe housing.
Stay in contact with counsel to evaluate motions to reopen (e.g., new asylum grounds, legal vacatur) and any return options if reopened.

Consequences of removal (and re-entry options)

Bars: Typical 10-year re-entry bar (longer in some cases).
Future waivers/parole: Some may later seek 212(a)(9) waivers, 212(d)(3) nonimmigrant waivers, or humanitarian parole in narrow cases.
Reinstatement: If you re-enter without permission, prior removal may be reinstated; only limited protection claims remain (withholding/CAT).
Therefore, any U.S. travel plans must be lawful and coordinated with counsel.

Evidence & documents checklist (for stays or reopening)

Family ties: marriage/birth certificates; proof of caregiving.
Medical: diagnoses, treatment plans, physician letters, prescriptions.
Hardship & equities: taxes, employment, community letters, property/lease.
Country conditions (Colombia): security, targeted risk, medical access, and relocation challenges.
Procedural issues: ineffective assistance (with Lozada steps), new vacatur/sentence changes, or newly available relief.

Rights and practical tips

You may contact consular officials and your attorney; keep counsel’s number written down.
Request reasonable access to medication and essential documents.
Avoid signing stipulated removal or waivers without understanding the consequences.
Keep a log: dates, officers’ names, facility moves—this helps target filings and records requests.

FAQs

Can filing I-246 stop a flight the same day?
Sometimes, but not guaranteed. Therefore, file early with strong documentation and pursue backup (OPLA/BIA) simultaneously.

What if I have a new criminal-court vacatur?
That can justify a motion to reopen and a stay; submit certified court orders immediately.

I had a prior fear screening—can I raise fear again?
If conditions changed or you have new evidence, you may request protection and screening.

Can I ever come back lawfully after removal?
Possibly—with time, consent to reapply (I-212) and/or waivers, or after reopening and winning relief.

How we help

First, we triage stays (I-246, BIA, federal) and protection claims. Next, we assemble a humanitarian/equities packet and coordinate with ERO/OPLA. Then, we file motions to reopen with new evidence and pursue post-removal options. Finally, we plan long-term waivers or return strategies if relief becomes available.

Facing a removal flight to Colombia? Schedule a consultation or call (562) 495-0554.

Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. Options depend on your order type, criminal history, and timing.

U.S. Immigration Policy on Venezuelan Migrants

Controversy and Colombia’s Role: The policy has been protested by human rights advocates. Colombia has agreed to receive these flights despite already hosting a large number of Venezuelan exiles.

Policy Change: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now using removal flights to send Venezuelan migrants back to Colombia. Many of these migrants had previously resided there.

It allows authorities to expel migrants without letting them seek asylum.

Context of Crisis: This action is taking place against the backdrop of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. This situation has led over 5.9 million people to flee the country due to violence, a lack of food and medicine, and a breakdown of public services.