On January 24, 2025, the U.S. government, under the administration of President Donald Trump, launched a large-scale deportation campaign targeting unauthorized migrants, utilizing military aircraft for transportation.

The initiative has been described as the largest mass deportation event in history by President Trump himself.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt announced the commencement of the deportations, further supporting the campaign's visibility by posting images of migrants being deported on military planes via her official social media account.

Leavitt emphasized the administration's commitment to strict immigration enforcement, stating, 'This is a clear and powerful message: If you enter the United States illegally, you will suffer serious consequences.' The operation has already seen 538 individuals with criminal histories detained, with 'hundreds' reportedly deported.

The campaign forms part of President Trump's broader strategy to reform U.S. immigration laws.

Measures include the declaration of a state of emergency at the southern border, increased military troop presence in the region, and prioritization of the deportation of individuals termed as 'criminal aliens' under executive orders.

Earlier in the week, the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration was further solidified by new legislation passed by the Republican-majority Congress that extends detention terms for foreign nationals under suspicion without legal documentation.