White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that deportation flights have officially commenced. To support the announcement, she shared photographs depicting individuals boarding military aircraft.
“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 in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Her statement emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcing stricter immigration policies and deterring illegal crossings into the country.
One of the photographs shared was taken at Biggs Army Airfield, located within Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, according to sources from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who spoke with Fox News. These sources revealed that the aircraft depicted in the image was designed to transport approximately 80 individuals and departed for Guatemala on Thursday at 5 p.m. local time. However, specific details about the identities of those boarding the flights remain unclear, and Leavitt did not immediately respond to a request for further information from Fox News Digital.
In addition to the deportation efforts, U.S. troops have been mobilized in various regions near the border. For instance, additional personnel have arrived in El Paso and have begun installing concertina wire near the Ysleta Port of Entry. This measure, confirmed by CBP officials in communication with Fox News, is intended to bolster security along key entry points and prevent unauthorized crossings into the United States.
Between the midnight hours of January 21 and 9 a.m. on January 22—a span of just 33 hours—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations arrested more than 460 individuals who had entered the country illegally. These individuals reportedly included those with extensive criminal histories, encompassing offenses such as sexual assault, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, drug and weapon charges, resisting arrest, and domestic violence. These arrests underscore the federal government’s ongoing efforts to identify and detain individuals who pose potential threats to public safety or have violated immigration laws.
The detained individuals hailed from a wide range of countries across several continents, illustrating the diverse origins of migrants crossing the U.S. border. According to information shared with Fox News Digital, nationals from Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Senegal, and Venezuela were among those arrested during the operation. This reflects the global nature of migration patterns and the challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies in addressing such complexities.
In another operation on Thursday, ICE agents conducted a raid at a fish market located in Newark, New Jersey, where several workers were taken into custody. This development, reported by Fox 5 NY, highlights how immigration enforcement extends beyond border regions to include workplace investigations and compliance checks across the United States.
The recent wave of deportations and arrests aligns with the Trump administration’s broader objectives to enhance border security and prioritize the removal of individuals with criminal backgrounds or those who entered the country unlawfully. Leavitt’s public announcement reinforces this stance, as her statement aimed to project a zero-tolerance approach to illegal immigration.
The use of military aircraft to facilitate deportation flights marks a significant shift in operational strategy, underscoring the administration’s intent to expedite removals and signal its determination to uphold immigration laws. The choice of Biggs Army Airfield as a staging ground for these flights highlights its strategic importance as a key hub for logistical operations near the southern border.
The deployment of additional troops to secure entry points like the Ysleta Port of Entry further demonstrates the government’s commitment to reinforcing border defenses. The use of concertina wire, for instance, serves as a physical barrier to deter unauthorized crossings and enhance the overall effectiveness of border patrol efforts. These measures are part of a coordinated strategy to address the ongoing challenges posed by high levels of migration and ensure the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
The arrests conducted by ICE over the 33-hour period also provide a snapshot of the scope and intensity of current enforcement operations. Targeting individuals with criminal records represents a key focus for ICE as it seeks to remove individuals who may pose a threat to public safety. The wide array of countries represented among the detainees highlights the global reach of migration networks and the complexities involved in managing border security and immigration enforcement.
While some may view these actions as necessary to maintain order and uphold the rule of law, others may raise concerns about the human and humanitarian implications of such policies.
The debate over immigration policy continues to be a polarizing issue in American politics, with supporters of stricter enforcement praising the administration’s efforts to deter illegal immigration, while critics argue that these measures may overlook the root causes of migration or fail to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
The operation in Newark, N.J., adds another layer to the discussion, as workplace raids often draw significant public attention and spark debate over their fairness and effectiveness. These raids are designed to target employers and workers who violate immigration laws, yet they often raise questions about the impact on local communities and economies.
As the administration continues its crackdown on illegal immigration, further developments are likely in the coming weeks and months. The deployment of resources, the coordination of federal agencies, and the expansion of enforcement measures reflect a robust effort to tackle a complex issue that remains central to national policy discussions.
For now, the message from the White House is clear: illegal entry into the United States will not be tolerated, and those who attempt to bypass legal channels can expect swift action.
