The Trump administration has initiated its long-promised mass deportation program, targeting illegal immigrants with criminal records as a priority. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Friday that deportation flights have officially begun. She shared photos on X (formerly Twitter) of groups of deportees boarding military aircraft, marking a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to address illegal immigration.
“Deportation flights have begun,” Leavitt announced. “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.”
Targeting Criminal Aliens
The administration’s strategy, spearheaded by border czar Tom Homan and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), focuses on a "worst first" approach. The campaign initially targets illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes, including murder, rape, and other felonies. On Thursday, federal agents arrested 538 individuals, among them a suspected terrorist, four gang members, and multiple individuals convicted of sex crimes.
While individuals from cooperative nations can be deported swiftly, those from countries like Venezuela, which have resisted repatriating their citizens, may face prolonged detention as the administration negotiates their return.
National Emergency Declaration Spurs Military Involvement
President Donald Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency on his first day in office, unlocking additional resources to expedite deportations. The Pentagon has pledged support, increasing troop presence at the southern border by 60 percent and providing military aircraft for deportation flights. Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses emphasized the urgency of the mission.
“President Trump directed action from the Department of Defense on securing our nation’s borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership,” Salesses said.
In addition to supporting deportation logistics, military personnel will assist in securing border areas to prevent further illegal crossings.
Bipartisan Support for New Legislation
The administration's efforts are bolstered by the passage of the Laken Riley Act, a bipartisan measure that requires federal agents to detain illegal immigrants accused of theft and related crimes until deportation proceedings are completed. The legislation passed both chambers of Congress with significant Democratic support, reflecting a shift in public sentiment on illegal immigration.
Public Opinion Backs Mass Deportations
Recent polls indicate growing public support for stricter immigration policies, including the deportation of illegal immigrants who entered during the Biden administration. With an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the U.S., many voters favor prioritizing the removal of those with criminal records.
President Trump’s administration has framed the mass deportation effort as a matter of national security and rule of law, aiming to deter future illegal entries. As flights continue and arrests escalate, the administration remains focused on fulfilling its campaign promise of restoring order at the border.
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