In a significant move aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the acquisition of six Boeing 737 aircraft to conduct deportation flights, raising questions about operational speed, costs, and potential effects on communities nationwide.
The DHS confirmed Wednesday that the new aircraft, valued at nearly $140 million, will be used to transport individuals subject to removal from the United States. Officials say the purchase—partially funded through the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill—is expected to reduce transportation costs and save taxpayers roughly $279 million compared with relying solely on chartered flights, which ICE has historically used for removals.
“These planes will allow ICE to operate more efficiently, including by using optimized flight routes,” Assistant DHS Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement on X. “President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem are committed to swiftly and safely removing criminal illegal aliens from the country.”
The acquisition coincides with the administration’s goal of deporting one million migrants by the end of the year. Border czar Tom Homan reported that around 579,000 deportations have already been completed, with approximately 66,000 migrants still in detention pending processing.
In addition to expanding deportation capacity, DHS is considering broader travel restrictions. Secretary Noem announced plans to recommend a travel ban on countries perceived to contribute significantly to criminal activity in the United States. While the administration has not released a definitive list of countries or an effective date, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that President Trump previously restricted travel from 19 nations, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Noem’s proposals could expand the list to roughly 30 countries.
These measures follow a fatal attack on National Guard members in Washington, D.C., on November 26 by an Afghan national admitted under the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome program. FBI Director Kash Patel criticized previous vetting procedures, calling them “an emblematic failure.” One guard member remains critically injured, while another succumbed to her injuries.
Conclusion
The introduction of dedicated DHS aircraft and potential travel bans underscores the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. While these initiatives aim to streamline deportations and enhance national security, they also prompt questions about oversight, implementation, and the humanitarian consequences for communities affected by these measures.