In just over four days after taking office as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has commenced deportation flights for illegal immigrants, utilizing military aircraft—a historic move not seen since the Eisenhower administration.
Fulfilling a key campaign promise, Trump has also signed an executive order that denies citizenship to future children born to undocumented immigrants. The administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement has already resulted in the arrest of 538 illegal immigrants.
The Department of Defense confirmed the use of military aircraft for repatriation flights, with two aircraft facilitating the deportation of Guatemalan nationals. Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas noted that 80 Guatemalan nationals were deported from Biggs Army Airfield on Friday, highlighting Texas as a central point for these operations. “In four days, President Trump has done more to protect our country than Biden did in four years,” Gonzales stated.
Speaking in North Carolina, President Trump defended the initiative, emphasizing the removal of dangerous individuals. “We’re getting the bad, hard criminals out—murderers, the worst of the worst. We’re taking them out first,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s stance, declaring on X, “Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message: if you illegally enter the United States, you will face severe consequences.”
Legislative and Economic Concerns
The administration’s actions have sparked debate in Congress. Senator Michael Bennet referred to the proposed Bill Laken Act, which seeks to halt visa issuance to countries refusing to accept deported individuals. Bennet criticized the broad implications of the bill, stating, “A single deportation refusal could result in a nationwide visa ban, impacting industries reliant on immigrant labor.”
Congressman Gabe Vasquez voiced concerns about the economic consequences, arguing that mass deportations would harm industries dependent on immigrant workers. “Hardworking immigrants contribute billions to our economy, from family farms to small businesses and emerging industries,” he said.
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez highlighted the human cost, particularly the fear and uncertainty faced by DREAMers and immigrant families. “Children are afraid they’ll come home to an empty house. Families fear being torn apart,” she said. Sanchez also warned of economic repercussions, particularly in construction and housing. “Without skilled immigrant labor, rebuilding cities like Los Angeles will be slower, more expensive, and much harder,” she added.
A Polarized Nation
While supporters laud Trump’s immigration policies as a decisive step toward national security, critics warn of economic disruption and humanitarian crises. The deportation flights mark a new chapter in the US immigration debate, with far-reaching implications for individuals, industries, and international relations.
