US begins mass deportations under President Trump immigration crackdown

Guatemalan authorities confirmed the arrival of 265 expelled migrants on three flights Friday, two operated by the US military and one chartered.

This marked the start of President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement measures.

In addition to the Guatemala flights, the US sent four deportation flights to Mexico on Thursday. However, conflicting reports emerged, with US media suggesting one plane was turned back, a claim unconfirmed by Mexican authorities.

Mexico’s foreign ministry expressed readiness to collaborate on repatriation, stating it would welcome deported citizens “with open arms.”

The White House announced the largest deportation operation in history, arresting over 1,000 individuals in two days. On Thursday, 538 arrests were reported, followed by 593 on Friday. Deportees included individuals described by Trump as “the bad, hard criminals,” including murderers.

Compared to the Biden administration, which deported 270,000 individuals in 2024 at a rate of 310 daily arrests, Trump’s measures signify an escalated approach. Early Friday, the White House shared images of shackled detainees boarding military aircraft, emphasizing the swift action.

Guatemala’s vice president’s office confirmed the flights occurred post-Trump’s inauguration but did not clarify if the deportees were among those recently arrested. Meanwhile, a Pentagon source confirmed overnight repatriation flights.

Recall that Trump declared a national border emergency, increased troop deployments, and reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy as he takes office for the second time.

This requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico until their applications are processed, leaving thousands stranded on the border.