
Military flights start sending immigrants back home
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The White House confirmed the commencement of deportation operations early Friday, sharing images of individuals being escorted onto military aircraft for removal from the country.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement while presenting two photographs showing people boarding planes, stating, “President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: If you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.”
The specifics regarding the timing of the photographs, locations of the deportations, and destinations of the flights remained undisclosed.
Trump’s White House announced today that the deportation flights have started.
And for the first time, the U.S. is using military transport planes to do it.
This flight took around 80 illegal migrants back to Guatemala. pic.twitter.com/RWdp4Jv1S8
— Anhedonia (@randomthingxs) January 24, 2025
Leavitt revealed that “the Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors.”
She further added that “the Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft,” declaring it “the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept.”
Federal data indicates that ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations detained over 460 undocumented immigrants during a 33-hour period between Tuesday midnight and Wednesday 9 a.m., as reported by Fox News.
The detainees reportedly had extensive criminal backgrounds, encompassing offenses such as robbery, sexual assault, burglary, aggravated assault, drug-related crimes, weapons violations, resisting arrest, and domestic violence.
The individuals originated from various countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Senegal, and Venezuela.
MSN reports that President Donald Trump had previously announced plans to utilize U.S. military aircraft for deportation flights.
The operation involves the Pentagon’s deployment of four C-17 and C-130 aircraft to transport migrants out of the country, forming part of the president’s comprehensive strategy to address border security concerns.
Lucky U.S illegal migrants get a ride one these 👇.
The US Transportation Command has been ordered to prepare to use US military aircraft for migrant deportation flights, CNN reports. pic.twitter.com/Q1SPRywJZu
— sean (@Gykiwi03) January 23, 2025
While the State Department manages diplomatic clearances and the Department of Homeland Security provides in-flight security, approximately 5,400 migrants are targeted for deportation in the operation’s initial phase.
The Pentagon’s border deployment includes an additional 1,500 active-duty troops joining the existing 2,500 personnel, drawing criticism from opponents who question the legality and ethics of using military resources for deportation operations.
The administration maintains that these deportation measures are essential for border security.