Within days of Donald Trump assuming office as the 47th President of the United States, the country has initiated deportation flights for undocumented immigrants using military aircraft. Mass deportations were a key promise of Trump’s campaign, and his administration has acted swiftly to fulfill this. Among his first executive orders was a policy stating that children born to undocumented immigrants would no longer be granted US citizenship.
The Department of Defence confirmed that two military aircrafts had conducted repatriation flights to Guatemala. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that these deportation flights mark the first use of military aircraft for such operations since President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration. “Deportation flights have begun. 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,” she shared on X.
Deportation measures spark debate warning economic fallout
The deportation measures have sparked debates in Congress. Senator Michael Bennet discussed the Bill Laken Act, which proposes halting visa issuance to countries that refuse to accept deported individuals. Bennet highlighted potential issues, stating, “If a country like El Salvador refuses to accept a deportee, this bill could allow state attorneys general to block all visas from that country, affecting not only immigrants but also industries reliant on foreign workers.”
Critics have voiced concerns over the economic and social impacts of mass deportations. Congressman Gabe Vasquez argued that the policy undermines industries reliant on immigrant labor, including agriculture and small businesses. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez raised fears about the fate of DREAMers and families being separated. She noted that many children now fear returning home to empty houses, and entire communities risk losing essential skilled labor, further escalating housing and economic crises.
The policy has ignited a fierce national debate on balancing immigration enforcement with economic and humanitarian considerations.