Illegal Immigrants Chained, Loaded Onto Cargo Plane to Leave US

Dozens of illegal immigrants were handcuffed and shackled as they boarded a C-17 cargo plane as part of former President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign. US officials confirmed that the first deportation flight of this campaign landed in Guatemala on January 24. A total of 265 Guatemalan citizens were deported on three flights, which included two military planes and one commercial flight.

Images released by the US Department of Defense showed the deportees at Fort Bliss, Texas, on January 23. Each person was restrained with handcuffs, shackles, and waist chains as they prepared to board the military plane. The Pentagon had been directed to support the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in organizing deportation flights, underscoring the administration's reliance on military resources for immigration enforcement.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that four deportation flights to Mexico had been scheduled for January 23. However, NBC News reported that at least one of these flights faced complications and did not depart as planned. According to a US military source, the delay was caused by "communication problems and confusion in the declaration of information provided by the Pentagon." A senior US diplomat confirmed that Mexico was prepared to accept deported citizens but noted the issue arose from paperwork errors. The problem was reportedly resolved quickly.

Footage also showed US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents escorting illegal immigrants onto the military plane. The Mexican Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to cooperation with the US on immigration management. It emphasized that deported Mexican citizens are always welcomed back and that their safe repatriation is a priority.

Tom Homan, the official appointed by President Trump to oversee the mass deportation campaign, stated that such military deportation flights would become a daily occurrence. He reiterated that anyone residing illegally in the US is subject to deportation. He urged those without a federal court-issued deportation order to leave voluntarily. Homan also warned that the deportation campaign would expand nationwide in the coming weeks.

President Trump, defending the deportation efforts, described the flights as targeting "vicious and dangerous criminals," including individuals accused of serious crimes such as murder. Homan confirmed that over 1,300 illegal immigrants were arrested during the first days of Trump’s administration, with about 1,000 of them being convicted criminals.

The use of military planes, such as the C-17, for deportations represents a notable escalation in enforcement tactics. This move reflects Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, which was a central focus of his administration. The high level of security measures, including handcuffs, shackles, and constant monitoring during the flights, underscores the administration’s emphasis on strict control over the deportation process.

Despite the logistical challenges faced during the deportation campaign, Mexico’s government maintained its readiness to support coordinated efforts. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with the US and ensuring that deportation processes are handled efficiently and respectfully.

The campaign has sparked both support and criticism, with proponents citing the need for law enforcement and border security, while critics argue that the measures are overly harsh. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the treatment of deportees and the implications of militarizing deportation procedures. The debate surrounding the campaign is expected to continue as the Trump administration pushes forward with its immigration agenda.

For those residing in the US without proper documentation, the message from the administration remains clear: voluntary departure is preferred, but enforcement actions will not hesitate to remove those who remain illegally. As the campaign intensifies, more deportation flights are expected to follow, marking a significant chapter in the US government’s approach to addressing illegal immigration.