- By Deeksha Gour
- Sat, 25 Jan 2025 12:09 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US military has started deportation flights for migrants, following orders from President Donald Trump. On Friday, two US military C-17 aircraft flew from the United States to Guatemala, each carrying around 80 migrants. This action is part of broader efforts to strengthen border security, as the Pentagon prepares to deploy additional troops to the southern border.
President Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency on his first day in office, instructing the US military to assist with border security. His executive order, issued on January 20, called for "complete operational control" over the southern border. As part of this directive, the military has begun deportation flights and is preparing to send additional forces to support the operation.
Earlier, the Trump administration confirmed plans to send 1,500 additional active-duty troops to the border with Mexico. The Pentagon is now preparing for a second wave of troop deployment, which may include personnel from the elite 82nd Airborne Division. Although the exact number of troops has not been finalised, reports suggest that up to 10,000 troops may be deployed in the coming weeks, depending on military readiness and other factors.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the start of deportation flights via a post on X, stating that two military aircraft, each carrying around 80 migrants, had flown from the US to Guatemala.
The 82nd Airborne, typically trained for rapid deployment in crisis zones globally, is not usually assigned to domestic operations like border control. However, the increasing focus on securing the US-Mexico border has prompted this unusual deployment.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
