Revealed: huge climate cost of harmful emissions from US immigration flights
Summary
US immigration enforcement flights have sharply increased under President Donald Trump’s administration, causing a large rise in carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. These flights move many people to detention centers and deport them to various countries, creating environmental and human rights concerns.Key Facts
- ICE flights emitted about 335,876 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2025, an 88% rise from 2024.
- The number of immigration enforcement flights increased by at least 80% between 2024 and 2025.
- More than 70% of detained immigrants as of early 2026 had no criminal convictions.
- Record high of 245 removal flights happened in one recent month.
- Many detainees without criminal convictions have been arrested at eight times the rate compared to before President Trump took office.
- Flight hubs like Phoenix, El Paso, Harlingen (Texas), and Alexandria (Louisiana) face increased local pollution.
- Reports show people are being put on flights without due process and suffer poor conditions during flights.
- The carbon emission data was estimated using tracking data and official aviation methods.
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