Washington, February 3, 2025 – In a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures, the United States has deported a group of migrants to India using a military aircraft. This marks the farthest destination yet for military-operated deportation flights under the current administration’s immigration policies.
A C-17 military transport aircraft carrying the deportees departed the U.S. for India, though it is expected to take at least 24 hours before arriving at its destination, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Expanded Use of Military for Immigration Enforcement
President Donald Trump has increasingly leaned on the U.S. military to support his immigration agenda, deploying additional troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, utilizing military aircraft for deportations, and repurposing military bases as detention centers for migrants.
The Pentagon has also begun providing flights to deport more than 5,000 migrants currently held in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
Military Deportation Costs and Destinations
Until now, U.S. military aircraft have primarily transported deportees to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The latest flight to India represents a significant expansion of the military’s role in deportation efforts.
The cost of these military deportation flights is notably high. A recent deportation flight to Guatemala cost approximately $4,675 per migrant.
The move is likely to raise questions about the financial burden on the U.S. military, as well as diplomatic concerns between Washington and New Delhi regarding the circumstances under which Indian nationals are being deported.
What’s Next?
The Trump administration’s use of military aircraft for deportations continues to expand, raising debates over costs, ethics, and international relations. With more than 5,000 migrants awaiting deportation from key U.S. detention centers, further military flights are expected in the coming weeks.
