Mexico recently blocked a U.S. military plane from landing, temporarily disrupting the Trump administration’s plans to deport immigrants to the country, according to U.S. officials.
Two Air Force C-17 planes, each carrying about 80 deportees, successfully flew to Guatemala on Thursday night. However, a third flight intended for Mexico was grounded. The reason for Mexico’s decision remains unclear, but tensions between the two countries have grown since President Trump’s election. Trump has threatened tariffs on Mexico as retaliation for migrants crossing the border, but these measures have not been implemented yet.
A White House official described the situation as a minor “administrative issue” that was quickly resolved. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later tweeted that Mexico had accepted a record four deportation flights in one day, though it was unclear if these were military or commercial flights.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government opposes Trump’s “unilateral” immigration policies, including a rule forcing migrants to stay in Mexico while awaiting asylum decisions. In a statement, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to sovereignty and its willingness to welcome returning Mexican nationals.
Meanwhile, Guatemala received three deportation flights from the U.S. on Friday, bringing back approximately 265 nationals. These flights are part of the Trump administration’s larger crackdown on illegal immigration, which has included military involvement at the border and mass deportation initiatives..
