The Trump administration is preparing to deport undocumented immigrants to Libya using a U.S. Air Force C-17 plane, according to an administration official.
Flight tracking data shows the aircraft has filed a flight plan from San Antonio, Texas, to Misrata Airport in Libya, although the specific timing of the flight remains unclear.
Libya’s detention centers, which have been the subject of numerous human rights reports, are known for overcrowding and lack of essential resources.
Human rights organizations have condemned the conditions, citing concerns over the safety and well-being of migrants sent to these facilities.
The use of a U.S. military plane for deportation purposes is rare, raising questions about the appropriateness of deploying military resources for immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration’s use of military aircraft for deportation purposes signals a continued focus on strict immigration enforcement, while also raising questions about the impact of such policies on the international community.