U.S. Flying Illegal Immigrants Back to Mexico

For the sixth straight summer, the U.S. has been running these flights. And in all likelihood these flights don’t charge extra for checking in luggage.

By JACQUES BILLEAUD
Associated Press Writer
PHOENIX -- Immigration authorities are flying illegal immigrants deep into their native Mexico from Southern Arizona to discourage dangerous crossings in triple-digit desert heat.

The twice-daily flights from Tucson to Mexico City are intended to keep immigrants away from border towns where they would likely run into smugglers who want to sneak them back into the U.S.

“This is where the probability of losing their lives can really increase. We offer that opportunity for them to get out of that cycle,” John Torres, a special adviser to the assistant secretary of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Monday in Tucson.

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