The Trump administration has begun deporting migrants to India using U.S. military aircraft, marking the longest destination for such flights, according to a Reuters report citing a U.S. official. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Pentagon has also started facilitating flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants from U.S. facilities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
So far, military flights have transported migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. Military deportation flights are notably expensive, with a flight to Guatemala last week reportedly costing at least $4,675 per migrant, according to Reuters.
On January 24, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed it would assist in the return of Indian nationals who are overstaying or residing in the U.S. without proper documentation. During a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We are against illegal immigration, especially as it is often linked to organized crime.” He added, “For Indian nationals, whether in the United States or anywhere else in the world, if they are overstaying or lacking documentation, we will facilitate their return provided we can verify their nationality.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also shared updates on the operation, describing it as “the largest massive deportation operation in history.” She posted on X, “The Trump Administration has already deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. Promises made. Promises kept.”
Leavitt further announced that 538 illegal immigrant criminals had been arrested, including a suspected terrorist and members of the Tren de Aragua gang, as well as individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors. She emphasized, “Deportation flights have begun, sending a strong and clear message: illegal entry into the U.S. will have severe consequences.”
In his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged to declare a national emergency to carry out mass deportations of migrants without legal status in the U.S. Shortly after taking office on January 20, he signed executive orders declaring a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico.
