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The U.S. military is facing significant financial constraints in its efforts to deport illegal aliens, primarily due to the high costs associated with using military aircraft.
A recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report highlighted that these military flights, such as those using C-17 and C-130 planes, have been suspended as of March 1, 2025, because they proved far more expensive and less efficient than civilian alternatives. The WSJ analysis revealed that the cost of military deportation flights to Guantanamo Bay averaged at least $20,000 per alien, with each flight carrying only about a dozen individuals. In contrast, standard U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) civilian flights cost approximately $8,500 per flight hour, or $17,000 for international trips, making them a more economical option.
Despite the pause in military flights, deportations continue unabated using civilian aircraft managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Military planes like the C-17 Globemaster III, which can carry up to 102 passengers, were underutilized in these operations, often transporting far fewer migrants than their capacity allows. For example, flights to Guantanamo Bay typically carried just 10-12 high-threat aliens, a fraction of what the aircraft could handle. The Trump administration initially employed military aircraft to send a strong message about its immigration crackdown, but the financial burden has shifted focus back to civilian resources. This suspension could become permanent if cost concerns persist, though no final decision has been confirmed.
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