Mexico Blocks U.S. Military Deportation Flight Amid Rising Tensions
Mexico has refused a U.S. military plane carrying deportees from landing in the country, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 24, 2025, as part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to ramp up deportations following his return to office. Two U.S. Air Force C-17s successfully transported approximately 80 deportees each to Guatemala, but a third flight bound for Mexico was blocked after the country denied permission for the plane to land.
The reason for Mexico’s refusal remains unclear, but tensions between the U.S. and Mexico have escalated since Trump’s re-election. Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods in response to migrants crossing the shared border, though the tariffs have not yet been implemented. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly opposed Trump’s immigration policies, including the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in the U.S.
A White House official described the incident as an “administrative issue” that was “quickly rectified,” while a senior State Department official suggested the refusal stemmed from confusion over the flight manifest. Despite the setback, Mexico has reportedly accepted other deportation flights and continues to cooperate with the U.S. on immigration matters. The Mexican Foreign Ministry emphasized its commitment to welcoming Mexican nationals back to their homeland but did not elaborate on the specific reasons for blocking the flight.
The use of military aircraft for deportations marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement. The Pentagon has announced plans to deport over 5,000 immigrants held in U.S. detention centers, with additional troops deployed to the southern border to bolster security. This crackdown is part of Trump’s broader campaign promise to carry out mass deportations and tighten border controls.
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