WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - U.S. military C-17 aircraft began transporting detained migrants out of the country on Friday, in response to directives from the President. The Pentagon is preparing to deploy more troops to the southern border, including from the Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division.
According to a U.S. official, two military aircraft, each carrying around 80 migrants, have flown from the U.S. to Guatemala.
"Guatemala and the United States are dedicated to halting illegal migration and bolstering border security. Today marks the beginning with two flights," stated the State Department.
In previous instances, U.S. military aircraft have facilitated the relocation of individuals between countries, such as during the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan in 2021.
An official noted that it was unprecedented in recent times for U.S. military aircraft to be used for deporting migrants from the U.S.
On Trump's first day as President, he declared illegal immigration a national emergency, directing military assistance for border security, imposing a broad asylum ban, and taking action to limit birthright citizenship.
His executive order on Jan. 20 instructed the Pentagon to deploy whatever troops are necessary to achieve "complete operational control of the southern border of the United States."
"Deportation flights have commenced," revealed White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt in a post on X.
The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. military would conduct flights for deporting over 5,000 immigrants held by U.S. authorities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced the deployment of an additional 1,500 active-duty troops to the border with Mexico.
U.S. officials informed Reuters that the military is gearing up to send a second wave of troops to the Mexico border possibly as soon as next week, including troops from the 82nd Airborne. Although the number of additional troops could reach into the thousands, an official clarified that a formal decision had not been made.
Traditionally, troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are poised to be swiftly dispatched for crises worldwide, typically in conflict areas rather than at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Informal talks have discussed sending up to 10,000 troops eventually, though the exact figure remains uncertain and would be contingent on factors like military readiness impact.
During his tenure, Republican Trump directed 5,200 troops to bolster border security with Mexico. Democratic former President Joe Biden also deployed active-duty troops to the border.