The Trump administration confirmed Friday morning that “deportation flights have begun,” fulfilling one of President Donald Trump’s major campaign promises to the American people.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared pictures that appear to show illegal immigrants boarding a U.S. military aircraft.
“Deportation flights have begun,” Leavitt tweeted. “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.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection sources told Fox News that one of the pictures shared by the White House press secretary was taken at the Biggs Army Airfield, which is located at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection sources also told the outlet that the military aircraft can hold 80 people and departed at roughly 5 p.m. local time for Guatemala.
On Thursday night, Leavitt announced, “The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors.”
Fox News reported that prior to Thursday’s 538 illegal immigrant criminal arrests confirmed by the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had already made roughly 460 arrests in the first couple days following Trump’s inauguration.
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In a follow-up post on social media, Leavitt added, “The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection told Fox News that in addition to the deportation of illegal immigrants, U.S. military troops have already started constructing wire barriers at the Ysleta Port of Entry, which is located in El Paso.