U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm by sharing a meme that references the iconic film, Apocalypse Now, with a twist on its most famous line. "I love the smell of deportations in the morning," Trump posted on his Truth Social account, a message that was also shared by the official White House account. He further escalated tensions by adding, "Chicago is about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR," hinting at his threat to deploy the National Guard to the city.
This week, Trump labeled Chicago as "the most dangerous city in the world," heightening federal threats against Democrat-led cities. Contrary to Trump's claims, research indicates a reduction in crime rates in major cities, with even lower figures in states governed by Democrats.
Under Trump's administration, the United States has witnessed record highs in deportation operations, with nearly 6,000 flights conducted from January to July 2025, according to data collected by activists monitoring these actions. Activist Tom Cartwright, who has been tracking these "deportation flights" for years, documented 5,962 flights in the early months of Trump's second term, a 41% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In July alone, 1,214 flights were accounted for, marking the highest monthly total since 2020. The majority of these operations are carried out by three airlines: GlobalX, Eastern Air Express, and Avelo Airlines. These flights transport immigrants to detention centers, border airports, or directly to destination countries, predominantly in Central America and Mexico.
Additionally, since January, there have been 68 military flights, with 18 taking place in July, most of which have been to Guantánamo Bay in Cuba, as reported by AP. In late August, the Trump administration set a new record, averaging 1,435 undocumented immigrant deportations per day in its final two weeks, the highest rate in recent U.S. history.
Understanding Trump's Deportation Policies and Their Impact
Why did Trump call Chicago the "most dangerous city in the world"?
Trump's statement appears to be part of a broader strategy to criticize Democrat-led cities, though crime statistics show declining rates in major urban areas, including those governed by Democrats.
How has the deportation rate changed under Trump's administration?
Deportation operations have reached unprecedented levels, with a 41% increase in flights compared to the previous year and a daily average of 1,435 deportations in late August.
Which airlines are primarily involved in deportation flights?
The primary airlines conducting deportation flights are GlobalX, Eastern Air Express, and Avelo Airlines, which transport immigrants to various destinations.