US deports illegal immigrants to India aboard C-17 aircraft

As the U.S. presidency transitions from Biden to Donald Trump, the new administration has ramped up efforts to deport illegal immigrants from the country.

This move aligns with the administration’s stricter immigration policies, which have already been pushing undocumented individuals out of the United States.

Trump Administration Intensifies Deportation Efforts: U.S. Military Flights Deport Migrants to India and Beyond

As per Reuters reports A significant number of these immigrants originate from Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Philippines, who are now facing heightened scrutiny under the new government.

In a recent development, a U.S. military plane has been deployed to deport migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration.

This initiative is part of President Trump’s broader strategy to leverage military resources to enforce his immigration agenda.

The administration has also increased troop presence at the U.S.-Mexico border, enhanced surveillance to track illegal entries, and utilized military aircraft for deportations.

Military Takes Center Stage in Immigration Enforcement

The U.S. military is now playing a pivotal role in the deportation process, with Air Force fleets being used instead of commercial airlines. However, this approach has sparked controversy due to its high costs.

For instance, a recent military deportation flight to Guatemala reportedly cost approximately $4,675 per migrant.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that a C-17 aircraft has departed for India with migrants onboard, though the flight is expected to take at least 24 hours to reach its destination.

The Pentagon has also initiated flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.

These individuals are being removed from the region as the administration enforces stricter rules, including blocking their passports to prevent re-entry.

Expanding Deportation Flights Across the Globe

So far, military aircraft have been used to deport migrants to countries such as Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.

The administration’s focus on deporting immigrants from Asian nations highlights its commitment to reducing illegal immigration from all regions.

As the Trump administration continues to implement its immigration policies, the use of military resources for deportations is expected to remain a key strategy.

This approach has drawn both support and criticism, with debates ongoing about its effectiveness, cost, and humanitarian implications.