US DHS reports record-high deportation flights under Trump administration

The Department of Homeland Security announced that deportation flights have surged to a record level under President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. In May 2026, nearly 300 ICE flights left the United States, the highest monthly total since the administration began in January 2025, more than double the 126 flights in the first full month. Since January 2025, about 3,000 international deportation flights have been conducted, with the agency saying nearly 900,000 migrants have been removed.

Domestic ICE flights also rose sharply, reaching roughly 1,300 in May, up from about 250 per month in 2024. The majority of outbound flights target Central America (40‑60% of flights), with notable increases to Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and smaller numbers to Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Cuban migrants have been especially affected, with a 463% rise in ICE arrests and 612 Cubans deported in 18 flights to Havana during the first five months of 2026.

Human‑rights groups have criticized the rapid expansion, calling for greater transparency and accountability. DHS continues to urge undocumented migrants to self‑depart, warning that failure to do so will result in arrest and removal.