President Donald Trump has announced plans to use U.S. military aircraft for deportation flights, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement. The Pentagon will deploy four C-17 and C-130 aircraft to transport migrants in detention out of the United States.
The move is part of Trump's broader strategy to address what he has declared a national emergency at the southern border. The Department of Homeland Security will provide in-flight law enforcement, while the State Department will handle diplomatic clearances.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted at 6 a.m. Friday that the Trump deportation flights have begun.
Approximately 5,400 migrants were expected to be deported in the initial phase of the operation. The deployment includes 1,500 active-duty troops, adding to the 2,500 already stationed at the border. This decision has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the use of military resources for deportation flights raises legal and ethical concerns. Immigration advocates worry about the potential risks to migrants and the implications for public safety.
Trump's administration has defended the move, stating that it is necessary to secure the border and address illegal immigration. The president has also called for additional funding from Congress to support these efforts. As the situation unfolds, the impact of this policy on both migrants and the broader immigration system remains to be seen. The use of military aircraft for deportation flights represents a new chapter in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States.
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