The deportation machinery of Donald Trump’s government has reached unprecedented speed in 2026. A group of 40 Democratic representatives has raised their voices against what they call “ghost flights.” These operations, coordinated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, are conducted under a veil of opacity that alarms Congress. Lawmakers denounce a lack of transparency that prevents oversight of the treatment received by immigrants aboard.
In a letter addressed to Bryan Bedford, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), congresspeople demanded detailed reports. The document questions the safety and inhumane conditions on charter planes used by ICE’s Air Operations division (IAO). According to the signatories, the system has evolved into “industrialized deportation.” This structure relies on a network of private contractors that hinders accountability to citizens and the legislative branch.
During 2025, the first year of Trump’s second term, ICE expelled an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 people. Although it fell short of the million promised during his campaign, pressure has increased drastically in recent months. Tom Homan, the current “border czar,” has confirmed that the goal for 2026 is to deport one million foreigners. This escalation has put human rights organizations and political opposition on alert.
What is the impact of increased private air operations?
Democrats assert that since January 2025, deportation flights have increased 84% compared to the previous year. This increase is primarily due to massive subcontracting of private airlines. Companies such as GlobalX, World Atlantic, and Omni Air actively participate in this large-scale expulsion plan. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (Texas) warned that these agencies should not operate from the shadows while families seek answers.
Crockett introduced the “TRACK ICE Act” to halt these covert operations and restore government oversight. The central concern is that information about these routes is almost impossible to obtain through ordinary legal channels. Lawmakers believe the FAA has an obligation to ensure these operations comply with international safety standards. The invisibility of these flights undermines Congress’s ability to exercise its duty to oversee the federal budget.
On the other hand, the “zero tolerance” policy has generated criticism over family separation and community harm. The signatories of the letter insist that undocumented presence is a civil violation, not a criminal offense. Studies from institutions like the Brennan Center for Justice show that 73% of deportees have no criminal records. Despite this, the treatment received on planes is typically applied to dangerous criminals.
What conditions do immigrants face aboard these planes?
The 2024 IAO Manual reveals disturbing details about the transfer of detainees. According to protocol, individuals are completely immobilized through handcuffs, waist chains, and leg shackles. The use of these restraint devices is mandatory throughout the entire flight, regardless of the individual’s dangerousness. Additionally, the manual allows for the use of anti-spit masks and leg immobilizers known as WRAP devices.
Lawmakers question whether these restraint methods comply with impact resistance standards in case of emergency. There is genuine concern about an aircraft’s evacuation capacity if passengers are chained together. The letter sent to the FAA requests a physical evaluation of barriers that would slow emergency evacuation. Democrats fear that a technical failure in the air could result in an inevitable humanitarian tragedy due to these protocols.
Beyond physical restrictions, verbal abuse and unsanitary conditions during long-distance flights are being denounced. Inadequate access to food, water, and sanitary facilities has been reported by various civil organizations. Representatives demand to know how cabin crew members are trained to handle medical emergencies under these circumstances. The sec
