The High Cost of Deportation How India Flight Puts US Spending into Perspective

The High Cost of Deportation How India Flight Puts US Spending into Perspective

In recent years, the Trump administration has intensified its deportation efforts, utilizing military aircraft to underscore its determination to remove undocumented migrants from the country. While the optics may make for compelling political theatre, the reality is that these flights come with a substantial price tag. A recent flight to India, in particular, highlights the staggering costs associated with these operations.

The Cost of Military Flights

Military flights are notoriously expensive, and this is no exception. According to data from the US Air Mobility Command, the C-17A Globemaster III aircraft used for deportation purposes costs $28,562 per hour to operate. In contrast, charter flights used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportations cost a fraction of that amount at just $8,577 per flight hour.

The Journey to India

The recent deportation flight to India was no exception. The C-17A Globemaster III took off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, and flew west to Hawaii before crossing the Pacific to the Luzon Strait near the Philippines. From there, it flew between Indonesia and Malaysia, taking a significant detour south into the Indian Ocean where there is a US air base located on the tiny island of Diego Garcia.

The Cost Breakdown

Estimates suggest that the flight cost is likely to be over $1 million even by the most conservative estimates of time spent airborne. This works out to more than $10,000 per detainee, a staggering amount considering that a one-way ticket from San Francisco to New Delhi on an American commercial airline can be purchased for around $500 or $4,000 in business class.

The Impact on Budgets

As the Trump administration continues to prioritize deportation efforts, the costs associated with these flights are likely to continue piling up. With budgets already stretched thin, it's unclear how much longer taxpayers will be able to absorb these expenses without feeling a significant pinch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the use of military aircraft for deportation purposes may make for good optics, the reality is that these flights come with a hefty price tag. As the Trump administration continues to prioritize deportation efforts, it's essential that we take a closer look at the costs associated with these flights and consider more cost-effective alternatives.

The high cost of deportation is just one example of how our immigration system is in need of reform. As taxpayers, it's our duty to ensure that our money is being spent wisely. We must continue to prioritize the well-being of migrants and ensure that their rights are respected.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.