U.S. military C-17 aircraft began deportation of detained migrants on Friday, following directives from President Donald Trump, as the Pentagon prepared to send additional troops to the southern border, including members of the elite 82nd Airborne Division.
Two U.S. military aircraft, each carrying approximately 80 migrants, departed for Guatemala, according to a U.S. official speaking to Reuters.
“The United States and Guatemala are committed to ending illegal migration and strengthening border security, beginning with two flights today,” the U.S. State Department stated.
While U.S. military aircraft have previously been used to relocate individuals, such as during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, this marks the first instance in recent memory of military planes being employed to deport migrants from the U.S., an official confirmed.
President Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency on his first day in office, assigning the U.S. military to support border security. His policies included a broad ban on asylum and measures to limit citizenship for children born on American soil. An executive order on January 20, instructed the Pentagon to deploy sufficient troops to achieve “complete operational control of the southern border.”
“Deportation flights have commenced,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Pentagon confirmed plans for U.S. military flights to facilitate the deportation of over 5,000 migrants held in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced the deployment of an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. Officials informed Reuters that the military is preparing to send a second wave of reinforcements, potentially including thousands of personnel from the 82nd Airborne Division, as early as next week. However, no formal decision on exact numbers has been made.
Typically tasked with crisis deployments to conflict zones worldwide, the 82nd Airborne Division’s involvement in U.S. border operations is an unusual assignment. Reuters also reported informal discussions regarding the possible deployment of up to 10,000 troops over time, although final figures will depend on factors such as operational readiness and evolving needs.
During his first term, Republican President Trump ordered 5,200 troops to secure the southern border. His successor, Democratic President Joe Biden, has also deployed active-duty troops to the border during his tenure.
