It remains unknown at this stage who was boarding the military flights or where the images were taken. One of the two photos, released on X, formerly Twitter, was taken at Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, Fox News reported, citing U.S. Customs and Border Protection sources. The outlet said the plain had had a maximum capacity of 80 and was bound for Guatemala. Newsweek is working to verify further details. The newly released pictures appear to show men in shacklings. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have apprehended 538 undocumented immigrants, according to a January 23 update from the agency. The Pentagon has said it will provide airlift support for DHS-operated flights to deport more than 5,000 individuals detained by Customs and Border Protection agents near San Diego and El Paso.

Taking to X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “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. 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.” “Deportation flights have begun. 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,” she added, releasing photos of people boarding military aircraft.

The deportation announcement came after Leavitt said that ICE arrested 538 illegal aliens on Thursday, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, and multiple people who had been convicted of sex crimes against children. She also said that hundreds of illegal immigrants had been deported using military aircraft. “The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway,” she said. “Promises made. Promises kept.” President Trump enacted a number of immigration-centered executive orders on Monday, including declaring a national emergency at the border and committing his administration to “promptly” removing “all aliens who enter or remain in violation of Federal law.”