Explainer: Why are Trump using expensive military aircraft to send migrants back from America

Last Updated:February 06, 2025, 18:13 IST

The use of military aircraft for exile in the US is not only unusual but also very expensive. The Trump administration is adamant that it will send illegal migrants from C-17 military aircraft.

America’s first military aircraft reached Amritsar on 5 February with Indian migrants considered illegal in the US. There were 205 Indians in it. This military aircraft was C-17, which took illegal immigrants. In other countries also, the migrants that America are returning, are doing it through these aircraft. While many countries are also opposing it. The use of these aircraft is also very expensive.

Reuters calculated the comparative cost of both aircraft. It was found out that when the illegal migrants were returned by military ship recently in Guatemala in America, perhaps their expenses per migrants were at least $ 4,675. On the same route, the cost of the first class unilateral ticket of American Airlines is $ 853 i.e. the expenditure in the military aircraft is five times more than the passenger.

Question-When America’s military aircraft C-17 comes to India, what is spent?
-The estimated cost of running C-17 military transport aircraft is $ 28,500 per hour. Exile flight is the longest for India. Flights to Guatemala, Peru, Honduras and Ecuador are not too long.

Question – Why do Trump want to use military aircraft for this?
Actually, its relationship is more symbolism. Since Trump has always called illegal immigrants “alien” and “criminals”, who have “invaded America”, when they are sending illegal immigrants on military aircraft, they are showing them like criminals. They are being sent with handcuffs. Military aircraft are being used.
In this way President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the whole world that if you illegally enter the United States, you will have to face serious consequences.

Question – Are Trump immigrants going to court and giving them a chance to speak?
– No, Trump is in favor of immediate deportation instead of detaining illegal immigrants and giving time to appeal. He said in December, “I do not want him to sit in the camp for the next 20 years.” I want them to get out and countries will have to take them back. “

Question – Is Trump’s move being criticized?
– Latin is criticizing the American country Trump for sending the migrants in the fetters in military aircraft. But this can be reacted in countries where the US Army is present.

Question-How is this C-17 aircraft, why is it being used?
-The C-17 aircraft is known for its capacity and long distance flights. These aircraft are capable of carrying a large number of people simultaneously, which can make the departation process smooth.

Question-How are the C-17 GlobeMaster III aircraft, where are they made and how many are the US?
-C-17 GlobeMaster III is the newest and most flexible cargo aircraft to join the Airlift Force of America. Its cruise speed is about 450 knots (.74 Mac). It is capable of flying and landing on a runway with 3,500 feet (1,064 m) length or just 90 feet (27.4 m) width. The aircraft has a maximum of 10,389 kilometers (6,455 mi). It is capable of operating with small and seals with airstrips. It is produced by the US Boeing company.

Question – Which countries use such aircraft?
-C-17 Globemaster III is a versatile military aircraft. It is being used in many countries. Apart from America, India, Australia use it.

Question – What is the Leken Riley Act, through which their country is being sent back without listening to anything of illegal migrants?
– The Leken Riley Act has been approved by President Donald Trump, it is being used against illegal migrants in America. The law is named after Laken Riley, a 22 -year -old nursing student from Georgia, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant in Venezuela .. This act provides for the illegal migrants to arrest, arrest and send them back to their country.

Question – How many illegal Indian migrants are there in America?
-The number of Indian migrants living illegally in America is different according to different estimates. According to a report, there are about 725,000 Indian immigrants in the US who are not recorded in the records. However, these figures have not been officially confirmed. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that the number of Indian immigrants living illegally is about half. According to media reports, the US has identified 18,000 Indians as illegal migrants who have to be sent back.

Question – Has the US sent back Indians before?
– Between 2018 and 2023, 5,477 Indians were deported from the US. In the year 2020, the maximum number of 2,300 Indians were deported. In 2024 (till September) 1,000 Indian citizens were deported.