First Illegal Immigrant Deportation Flights Take Off on Military Aircraft.
In a significant escalation of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, the U.S. military has commenced deportation flights for illegal immigrants. On January 24, 2025, two large military C-17 Globemaster III aircraft took off from Fort Bliss, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona, heading to Guatemala. This move marks a notable shift in the administration’s strategy to address illegal immigration, particularly at the southern border.
The deportation flights were directed by the U.S. Northern Command’s U.S. Transportation Command and involved collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses stated that the military would provide airlift support for DHS deportation flights, transporting over 5,000 illegal aliens detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The flights are part of a broader plan that includes sending thousands of active-duty troops to the southern border to bolster security efforts.
The use of military aircraft for deportation has sparked a range of reactions. Supporters of the policy applaud the administration’s strong stance on immigration enforcement, viewing it as a necessary step to curb illegal immigration and enhance national security. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential implications of using military resources for such operations and question the effectiveness of this approach in addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.
The first deportation flights saw approximately 80 Guatemalan nationals being transported on the C-17 aircraft. These individuals were among the thousands of illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border and are part of a larger effort to expedite the removal process. The administration’s decision to utilize military planes underscores its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and sending a clear message to those attempting to enter the country illegally.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the deportation flights are a direct result of President Trump’s executive order aimed at securing the border. She shared photos on social media of individuals in handcuffs boarding the military planes, highlighting the administration’s resolve to take decisive action. The move has been met with both support and criticism, with immigration advocates arguing that deportation flights have been ongoing and are not a new development.
As the deportation flights continue, the administration faces the challenge of balancing enforcement with humanitarian considerations. The involvement of military personnel in these operations raises questions about the appropriate use of military resources and the potential impact on civil-military relations. Moving forward, the effectiveness of this strategy in addressing illegal immigration and its broader implications will be closely monitored.
