Recent reports have revealed that Donald Trump’s administration may not have fully considered the financial impact of its deportation policies, as military aircraft deportation flights are proving to be significantly more expensive than commercial charter options.
According to Yahoo News, using military cargo planes for deportations is not only costly but also inefficient, transporting fewer migrants compared to lower-cost alternatives.
An analysis by El Paso Times using flight tracking data found that deportation flights from El Paso to Guatemala via military aircraft—carrying just 80 passengers—can cost as much as $4,000 per person. In contrast, contract charter deportation flights on commercial planes cost taxpayers approximately $1,169 per person, while accommodating 120 to 125 migrants per flight.
The stark cost difference has sparked criticism from lawmakers. As reported by Getty Images, U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar condemned the administration’s spending, calling it a “clear violation of public trust.” She emphasized that more cost-effective alternatives exist, but choosing not to use them is a betrayal of taxpayers.
With mounting scrutiny over the financial burden of these deportation operations, calls for accountability and reassessment of immigration enforcement costs are growing.