U.S. military C-17 aircraft began deporting detained migrants on Friday, following orders from President Donald Trump. Two aircraft, each carrying about 80 migrants, flew to Guatemala, marking the first use of U.S. military planes for such operations in recent memory.
The State Department stated that the U.S. and Guatemala are committed to ending illegal migration and enhancing border security, starting with these flights. Previously, military aircraft had been used for evacuations, such as during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
President Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency on his first day in office, mandating military involvement in border security. A Jan. 20 executive order instructed the Pentagon to ensure “complete operational control” of the southern border.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the flights in a post on X, adding that over 5,000 migrants detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, would be deported using military assistance.
The Pentagon announced plans to deploy an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, with discussions underway to send up to 10,000 over time. The 82nd Airborne Division, typically deployed for global crises, may also join.
This follows Trump’s 2018 deployment of 5,200 troops to the border. Former President Joe Biden also utilized active-duty forces during his term. U.S. officials said troop numbers would depend on operational requirements and their impact on military readiness.
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