D eportation flights have officially commenced in the United States, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Announcing the development on Friday, Leavitt shared images of individuals boarding military aircraft and underscored the administration’s strict stance on illegal immigration.
"President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences," Leavitt stated on X, formerly Twitter.
Flights to Guatemala Begin
One image, reportedly taken at Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, depicted individuals boarding a U.S. military aircraft. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources confirmed that the plane, which can hold 80 passengers, departed for Guatemala on Thursday evening.
Leavitt has not clarified who was on the flight, and requests for additional details from Glide News remain unanswered.
Increased Enforcement and Arrests
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its operations under the new administration, making over 530 arrests on Thursday alone. Among those detained were individuals charged with child sex offenses, gang affiliations, and other criminal activities. ICE also carried out a high-profile raid at a fish market in Newark, New Jersey, detaining several workers.
In total, ICE has made 460 arrests since the inauguration, as part of what officials are calling a robust mass deportation initiative.
Backlash in Newark
The Newark raid drew sharp criticism from city officials. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the operation, calling it "an egregious act" that violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Baraka highlighted the case of a detained U.S. military veteran, stating, "This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution." He added that Newark stands ready to defend the civil and human rights of its residents.
Troop Deployment at the Border
In addition to deportation flights, the CBP confirmed that additional U.S. troops have been deployed to reinforce the southern border. Soldiers have begun installing wire barriers near the Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso as part of heightened security measures.
Broader Implications
As the mass deportation initiative gains momentum, the administration’s approach continues to draw both support and sharp criticism. The White House has framed these actions as a necessary step to secure the southern border and deter illegal immigration, while opponents argue the measures violate constitutional rights and humanitarian principles.
Glide News will continue to monitor and report on developments surrounding this contentious issue.
0 Comments