By PEL Koroma, Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions (OFM), held a high-level briefing with representatives from 120 countries on March 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The session, which took place at the Foreign Mission Center on Dahlia Street, NW, aimed to provide clarity on the administration’s enforcement efforts, under U.S. immigration law, particularly following President Trump’s Executive Order 14159 issued on January 20, 2025.
Deputy Assistant Director for Removal Management, John A. Schultz Jr., outlined the primary objective of the briefing, stating that it was designed to enhance direct engagement between foreign missions and ICE leadership. This engagement is expected to streamline the repatriation process of foreign nationals currently detained in ICE custody, ensuring a more efficient and cooperative approach between ICE and the respective Governments.
John A. Schultz informed the diplomatic representatives that ICE’s enforcement actions will include workplace operations, door-to-door visits, inspections at hotels and vehicle searches during investigations. He emphasized that once an individual is arrested, their country of origin is promptly notified and they are given access to legal representation.
Addressing concerns regarding detention conditions, John A. Schultz explained that detainees are housed in local jails, where they have access to essential healthcare services, including surgeries and dialysis, when required. He further assured that legal representatives and family members are permitted to visit detainees in custody.
A new compliance ranking system for foreign countries in relation to ICE policies is set to take effect from May to December 2025. John A. Schultz urged foreign Governments to cooperate by ensuring that travel documents for repatriation are issued within 30 days following a removal order by an immigration judge. “This is a true partnership. When we work together, everything will be great,” he stated.
During the question-and-answer segment, John A. Schultz disclosed that 47,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported, with an additional 8 million individuals currently on the deportation list. He also provided insights into the deportation process, including flight schedules and security measures. High-risk detainees, he noted, are escorted by two officers during flights, while some removals are conducted without escort.
John A. Schultz advised all foreign nationals to always carry proof of their legal status, including citizenship documents, passports, green cards and visas, to facilitate identification during ICE operations. He reiterated that ICE remains committed to working with international partners to ensure a smooth and lawful repatriation process for foreign nationals under U.S. immigration laws.
