• Source:JND
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Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US military has been actively involved in mass deportations, significantly increasing the financial burden compared to the standard methods used by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The use of military aircraft for deportations, while bolstering the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, has raised concerns about its cost-effectiveness.

The Costs of Using Military Aircraft for Deportations

To carry out mass deportations, the US government has turned to military planes, such as the C-17 and C-130E, for what are known as "migrant repatriation flights." These flights come at a steep price:

- C-17 Aircraft: At an hourly rate of $21,000, a 12-hour flight from El Paso, Texas, to Guatemala City, transporting 80 migrants, would cost around $252,000.

- C-130E Aircraft: This plane costs between $68,000 and $71,000 per hour, making a similar trip potentially cost between $816,000 and $852,000. In comparison, a chartered DHS flight for the same journey would only cost approximately $8,577.

These soaring expenses have led critics to question whether the military’s involvement is the most efficient option, particularly when alternative methods are far more economical.

Also Read: Israeli Forces Fire On Lebanese Villagers Returning Home, Defy Ceasefire Term On Troops Withdrawal From Southern Border

National Emergency Declared to Speed Up Deportations

Despite concerns over the costs, Trump’s declaration of a national emergency has prompted a swift response from the military. A US defense official noted that the full financial impact of these military flights hasn’t been fully assessed, as the priority has been on rapid execution. In addition to the aircraft, the Department of Defense has also deployed active-duty personnel to assist with the deportation process at the US-Mexico border.

General Glen VanHerck, a retired military leader, stated that the Pentagon would redirect funds from within its budget to cover the expenses for these urgent and unforeseen missions.

Controversial ICE Raids Add to the Debate

The use of military resources for deportations has coincided with other contentious immigration enforcement practices, such as recent ICE raids. In Newark, agents detained multiple individuals, including a military veteran and US citizens, without presenting warrants. Local leaders, including Mayor Ras Baraka, condemned the raids, highlighting violations of Fourth Amendment rights and drawing attention to the unjust treatment faced by a military veteran during the operation.