The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday said it sent 131 migrants to Uzbekistan as part of a deal with the nation.

The DHS said the deported people belong to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

The DHS said the operation, in which Uzbekistan fully funded the deportation of their own nationals, underscores the deep security cooperation between the nations and sets a standard for U.S. alliances.

Kristi Noem Comments

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reacted to the development and said the US is looking forward to continuing to work together with Uzbekistan on efforts to enhance mutual security and uphold the rule of law.

Noem said in a statement: "We commend Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his leadership in sending a flight to return 131 illegal aliens back to their home country."

Partnership

The DHS said the partnership with Uzbekistan marked the latest in a long line of successful deals with foreign partners negotiated by President Trump and his administration.

"He put the American people first and successfully convinced Colombia to begin accepting migrants removed from the United States, developed a strong working partnership with El Salvador to lock up criminal illegal aliens and gang members, and turned Mexico into a willing ally in the fight against drug cartels, leading to the arrest of over 6,000 drug traffickers – the highest number of arrests in Mexico’s history," read the statement issued by the DHS.

66,463 Migrants Arrested

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday said during the first 100 days of US President Donald Trump's second term 66,463 migrants have been removed.

ICE said 65,682 migrants were also removed from the country.

ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons said, "The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbours by removing public safety and national security threats from our communities."

"During President Trump’s first 100 days, ICE alone has arrested over 65,000 illegal aliens — including 2,288 gang members from Tren de Aragua, MS-13, 18th Street and other gangs. Additionally, 1,329 were accused or convicted of sex offenses, and 498 were accused or convicted of murder," Lyons said.