U.S. Military Deportation Flight to Guatemala Highlights Expanded Role in Immigration Enforcement
A U.S. Air Force plane carrying 80 migrants avoided Mexican airspace, reflecting new tactics and heightened military involvement in deportation operations under Trump’s presidency.
- A U.S. Air Force jet deporting 80 migrants to Guatemala took a longer route to avoid Mexican airspace, though Mexico denies denying overflight permission.
- The use of military aircraft for deportations marks a shift from previous reliance on charter and commercial flights by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- President Trump has expanded the military's role in immigration enforcement, including deploying active-duty troops to the border and utilizing Guantanamo Bay for migrant detention.
- Critics argue the use of military planes for deportations is largely symbolic and aimed at deterrence, with concerns raised about the dignity of deportees.
- Trump's administration has initiated mass deportation efforts, increasing ICE arrests and seeking to involve local and state police to boost enforcement capabilities.
Boston Globe 
Associated Press 