The White House has announced the beginning of deportation flights under President Donald Trump’s administration, signaling his commitment to stringent immigration policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the move as sending a “strong and clear message” to the world about the consequences of illegal entry into the United States.
Photos were released showing individuals boarding military aircraft for these deportation flights, though specifics on who was being deported and the locations were not immediately disclosed. The announcement comes amidst reports from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations stating that over 460 illegal immigrants, with criminal backgrounds ranging from sexual assault to drug offenses, were arrested in a 33-hour span between January 21 and January 22, 2025.
This initiative aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to enact the largest deportation operation in American history if re-elected, aiming to deport millions of those without legal permission to reside in the U.S. However, experts from the University of Southern California (USC) have highlighted significant legal, logistical, and financial challenges associated with such an operation. They note that previous deportations under Trump’s first term never exceeded 350,000 annually, far from the millions he has pledged to deport, due to constraints in manpower, cooperation from local law enforcement, and the sheer scale of the undocumented population, estimated at around 11 million.
The policy has stirred a mix of support and criticism. Supporters on social platforms laud the action as a necessary step towards securing the country, while critics warn of the human and economic costs, including the potential for family separations and disruptions to communities.
The administration’s move also recalls past policies, like the “Remain in Mexico” program, and indicates a possible return to expedited removals and other restrictive measures to control immigration. These actions could face legal challenges, as previous similar policies have, with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) preparing for potential court battles over the legality and ethics of such mass deportations.
The Trump administration’s swift actions on immigration policy underscore a continuation of his first-term agenda, now with potentially more aggressive implementation, aiming to make an immediate impact on border control and internal immigration enforcement.
Article generated from corporate media reports.