Mexico has refused to allow a deportation flight from the United States to land, presenting a hurdle in President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws, according to a report.
The refusal, which occurred on Thursday, came as President Trump reinstated strict border security measures, ramped up deportation operations, and authorised large-scale raids upon his return to the White House. Earlier that day, two US Air Force C-17 flights had successfully transported approximately 160 deportees to Guatemala. However, the flight destined for Mexico was denied permission to land, and no immediate explanation was provided.
A White House official attributed the issue to an administrative mix-up, stating via text, “The flights thing was an administrative issue and was quickly rectified.”
A senior US-based journalist, citing a senior State Department official, clarified the situation further.
He said the denial stemmed from a misunderstanding involving the Department of Defence flight manifest. “Per the official, Mexico was full steam ahead to accept the deportations—and would have if there hadn’t been a misunderstanding regarding the paperwork,” he said.
The incident occurred against a backdrop of increasing tensions between President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump recently threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Mexican imports in response to the growing migration crisis at the US-Mexico border.
Despite the refusal of Thursday’s flight, Mexico has shown cooperation with US deportation efforts. Reports indicate that Mexico accepted a record four deportation flights in one day earlier in the week.
The country has also mobilised 30,000 National Guard troops and resumed the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are processed in the US.
On Thursday alone, the US deported approximately 2,000 migrants, while an additional 5,000 were detained within Mexico’s borders. By Friday evening, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported 593 arrests and 449 detainers issued, according to a report.
President Trump has declared a national emergency at the southern border, enabling US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expand its operations. Federal agents are now authorised to conduct raids in previously restricted locations, including courthouses and places of worship.
Sanctuary cities such as Boston, Denver, and Atlanta were targeted in large-scale operations during Trump’s first full day back in office, leading to the arrests of 308 migrants from over a dozen countries.
To bolster enforcement efforts, Trump has deployed 1,500 active-duty troops to the border. These personnel are tasked with assisting Border Patrol agents, constructing barriers, and providing aerial surveillance.
Military aircraft, a resource not utilised for deportations since the Eisenhower administration, are now being used to transport deportees as part of the Pentagon’s expanded role in implementing the President’s emergency measures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Mexico’s cooperation, stating, “Thanks to President Trump, yesterday Mexico accepted a record four deportation flights in one day! This comes in addition to unrestricted returns at the land border, the deportation of non-Mexicans, and the reinstatement of Remain-in-Mexico. Mexico has also mobilised 30,000 National Guard.”
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