A military jet from the U.S. Air Force carrying 80 migrants departed from Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, heading to Guatemala this past Thursday. Due to restrictions, the plane was required to navigate around Mexico, resulting in a flight duration nearly double the typical seven hours. This situation arose because the plane was not authorized to fly over Mexican airspace, according to a U.S. official. Among the migrants on board, there were also eight children, who were bound by their wrists and ankles for the journey.
The Mexican government clarified in a statement that it did not deny flight permission, stating that the U.S. had not requested authorization for the transit. U.S. Border Patrol spokesperson Orlando Marrero emphasized that the flight reflects an expanding role of the U.S. military in enforcing immigration laws, communicating a strong message to potential illegal crossers. He noted, “If you cross the border illegally, we are going to deport you to your country of origin in a matter of hours.”
Under the previous Trump administration, the use of military aircraft to deport individuals to countries such as Guatemala, Ecuador, and Colombia marked a significant shift from the normal operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which typically relied on commercial or charter flights. U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, who represents a district along the Texas border, commented on the situation, stating that logistical considerations are vital when involving military planes, as certain countries might not welcome military aircraft in their airspace. This could potentially lead to complications, such as a plane being forced to turn back mid-flight.
Recently, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro declined two U.S. military flights carrying migrants, which led to Trump imposing 25% tariffs on Colombian exports. Following diplomatic discussions, Colombia later agreed to accept the migrants but insisted that they be transported via their military planes to ensure their dignity. Last week, active-duty troops from the Pentagon were dispatched to the southern border, although their specific roles beyond support remain uncertain, following a long history of military involvement in border security functions since the administration of George W. Bush.
There is a longstanding law from 1878 that restricts military engagement in civilian law enforcement activities. Nevertheless, Trump and his administration have indicated that he may invoke wartime powers to facilitate military involvement in immigration tasks. His Inauguration Day directive related to a border emergency suggested that the Department of Defense could assist with aspects of detention and transportation, which contribute significantly to operational costs.
Moreover, Trump announced that a U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, would be utilized for the detention of migrants, proposing it could accommodate up to 30,000 individuals, essentially doubling the current capacity of ICE. Yael Schacher, who leads Refugees International’s efforts in the Americas and Europe, remarked that the usage of military aircraft for deportations is fairly rare and largely meant to convey a symbolic message.
