Charter flights used by migrants raise international concerns

Migrants increasingly use charter flights to reach the United States, raising concerns about human smuggling and international cooperation. Over the past five years, thousands of migrants from Caribbean nations like Haiti and Cuba have crossed into the U.S. Some migrants from India and Mauritania also utilize private charters for global travel. This issue highlights human rights concerns and regulatory challenges.

Charter flights offer a safer alternative to overground pathways, often arranged by agencies operating in a "legal gray area." Migrants pay between $8,000 and $70,000 for these journeys, with many flights landing in Nicaragua due to its lenient visa requirements. This practice has grown since 2021.

Beyond Nicaragua, migrants often head to the U.S.-Mexico border using ground transportation. However, this route involves risks such as high fees and potential exploitation by smugglers. Stricter asylum policies under Donald Trump's upcoming administration add further challenges.